Eaton Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1843-1856, 1854-08-24
Mlstel lantolls
THE LUNCH AND THE FLY-TRAp.
A TEMPERANCE STORY, BY A LADY.

"What have you got there3" said Mr.. Ed
gar to his little son Charley, as he was just
going to his evening work from which he sell
dom returned till midnight.
"a lunch" said Charley, al am afraid you
will want something 10 cal before You como
home, and don't want you to stop al the Ex-
change. Please don't, fatherp'
"What are you talking about my Sonl What
do You know about lunchesand the Exchange?
What do y'u mean!
"Why, it is in the paper, father, and asked
notheL and she thinks it is to get folks in to
drink Something like fly trap"
"a Ay-trap. A very dignifed comparison
your mother has hit upon, truly! Then she
has been telling you that stop at the Exchange,
and that | get lunches, and all that! Fine
gossip for your motherp'
40, no, father, she did not say word about
you, and did not know that you went there,
an,il told her that found you there the day
Bessie was so sick. AID, o, father, how bad
she looked when | told herp'
"What did YOU distress your mother for, you
nischievous fellow? Why did you report such
q thing, when yon never found me there but
once? Do you think am going 10 stop and
eat anywhere tonight? Why, child, you are
erazyW
"Why, the paper tells them TO come just
quarter fore ten: but please, father, don't
stop-come home early, just as you used 10
hen mother used to sing, and play the piano,
and you played the flute. o, they were such
nice times! could just lie in the bed and
listen, and It helped me 10 go to sleep, and
havesuch pleasant dreams, too. Come, father,
do take it!''
Mr.. Edgar was sof,ened, and could not deny
The request. He went away not only with
lunch in his pocket but weight upon his
conscience. He had Noticed at the table the
troubled countenance Of his wife, but dare
not inquire the cause. He knew too well al
ready. He repaired 10 his office, and to and
from thence to the Exchange. A rare enter.
tainment was in course Of preparation, which
was 10 be enivened with wine and merriment.
"Perhaps," thought he, al can go once more,
and then break off," Blu. he had no sooner
come to this decision, .han the pale counte-
nance Of his wife, and the importantly of his
child, would rush upon his mind. Neither
could that formidable fly trap be forgotten.-
"Surely," thought he, "I WIS almost suds'd d
the last evening, and dare venture again?-
No, there is safety only in flight, land know it
is not an inglorious retreat" He wrote has
apology to his friend, stating that the crcum.
stances his family required his presence,
and then returned home. No bright lamp
illumined his parlor; only dim light shone
from solitary chamber. "Poor Mary"
thought he, as he found The street. door fas-
tened, "you do not look form me for many long
hour" Noiselessly and unperceived. he en-
tered by side door, nd approached the room
occupied by his wife and children.
The little son had dismissed lis disquiet-
tudes for season, and was sleeping sweetly
,upon the little couch. Little Bessie occupied
the crib, and The mother sat by it in her cush-
,ioued chair, with her head recned, resting
unon her hand. She would sometimes raise
her head, press her throbbing temples, heave
a sigh, then resume her former posture. Mr.
Edgar was moved "Ah - thought he, "ii
that my own dear Mary-the only daughter
that severed from doting parents, whose
hearts still bleed over TIE separation |? lStha
pales languid face the same that was once ra-
disnt with smiles Oh, wine wine wha
hast thou done This heart has been steep
I'd In thy poison till it has ceased TO love-tt
ifeel- no, thank God, he does still love still
feel; and, by Gods blessings, he will show i
, ,bencerorth. Here do most soemnly pledge
myself thai this liquid poison shall never agaiI
enter my lips" Stepping gently forward, AM
seating himself by the side OF his wife, he said
"Why, Mary, ere you i'll tonight :"
Starting up in surprise she said, "Why-ye
.-v-no--not very. But, Edward, are you sick
that you have come home so early -
10. no, not at all, feel better than usna
this evening, but ! observed You looked pal
.at the table, aud have FASTENED home on you
account" y, ...., -
Dear Edward do not leave me-" said tn