Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-05-11
GBt Storp Gtlltr,
From the N. Y. Atlas.
T h e OIL Slippers;
n. TL - n~AI.~g~ n~~
Or, The Gamblers Doom.

desolate hearth within. Sleep and silence
Joined hand in hand 10 wait the dawn. Fierce
ly drove the storm, and ratified the window
blinds, crept in at the easement, and sighed
and moaned without; yet there was many a
sigh within. Shvering poverty drew its
scanty covering still closer, and turned over TO
its last sleep in the chill embrace of death. It
was bitter cold, and snow fell fast on New
Years Eve. The departing year drew on its
winding sheet, and the wild winds moaned
the funeral dirge. The pulse of the city beats
feebly now, and business is drugged with an
opiate.
From halEclosed shutter cleaned raw Of
candle light into the ever thickening gloom I;
one ray of hope within-hope for the wayward
husband and father. Bot the foul fend looked
in and laughed, for he had him fast within his
clutches.
My child she still sleeps and at this
late hour too. Ha It's twelve O'clock-mid-
night On New Years Eve. Once again the
deep-toned bell from the distant tower tolls the
knell of departed year. The New Year
winter born-deposits an icy slab-a tribute to
cover his last resting place. Alone on New
Years Eve. Alone; lost on the boundless
desert Of despair, not rill Of hope or pleasure
springing up from its vast, unlimited extent !;
naught but the mirage Of diseased and fevered
mind for me. The tender germ has but
reached the surface of the earth, and is crushed
by careless foot.
Yet what hopes, what joys, what dreams
of happiness for the morrow. How will bright
morn's clear welkin ring with joyous shouts
of the "Happy New Year!' None fur me-.
'Tis false look up desolate heart, to the pale
evening star that shines for thee, paled by the
rival twilight there's love and joy in store in
the responses of thy chiId's fond beauty. II is
in vain TO hope. There was a time when |
fancied that a firm resolve would bring the
blessed boon TO Henry and 10 me; when an
era just begun would seal from evil influence
his wise determinations The time is past !;
for one wavering retrograde step, weakens the
captive and closer draws the cords. Night
after night the watch-worn hours wear away,
and the declining moon opening twilight at
tends his hOmeward steps, or light his haggard
face at the opening door. He calls it business
speculation; exigencies of case so impor-
tant demand his utmost time and attention.
But all the keynote of responsive, loving
heart, once touched, will reveal the secret
cause.
The morrow is quarte:-day; innumerable
bills must be paid-Or, The dread alternative.
Every resource, almost, is exhausted, and all
is lost. Books, furniture, trinkets, clothes,
comforts, happiness, home-all have been
sacrificed to meet his pressing demands his
execrable demands! My child alas my
child The chair pillows her head, whose
esting place should be her couch, yet she
sleeps we'll innocence always enjoys repose.
She would sit up to welcome her errng
father with wishes for Happy New Year" :"
But her lips move slightly now she dreams,
no doubt. 1t is well but what will become
of thee1''
Busly piled the needIe-bright, fevered
eyes. never tiring-thin, white taper fingers
toiled for bread Reverie, and the mother
thought and thought, and dew-drops, heart
distilled, sparhled on her lily cheek.
Mother, is it not uery late! Has father
come, and has the clock struck twelve, SO that
! can wish him happy new yearl
Yes, Helen, dear, it is late, but father has
not come yet. But will you not wish chap
py new year" for your mother!'
Oh! yes, and great many of them, too !
But you don't know what a pleasant dream
have had thought that Frederick came
Eome from California, and brought me such a
beautiful present and what do you think it
was! Why great handful of bright, glitter
ing gold, TO be sure and thought that we
bought plenty of nice clothes and plenty to
eat oh and | don't know how many things,
and that father came home and staid with US
evenings but doesn't it seem long time, in
deed. since Freddy went away to California I
Oh, how should like to see him, and two
bright lips smiled at the fond anticipation
artless, thoughtless innocencel
MY dear Helen, it is not right that you
should sit up so late come, now, 60 to your
bed-dO, that's good girl
Pray, mother, may | not sit up little
loneer-just this once, but she heard not the
reply, and sleep again soon charmed her infant
grace.
Her tears flowed fast. Meanwhile, the last
expiring fame flushed up from the empty
socket of the candestick. Needles and toll
worn hands lay listless in her lap. and Mary
Mortimer slept. Not long. The ever listen
ing ear drank in the sound Of sofi-lifling door
latch, and familiar foot-step. She listened
intently, eagerly, and sprang to meet her hus-
band. What face was that to meet! Foul
hend, demon, despair, haggard, sleepless,
sunken eyes, stood on the threshold, and glared
their incarnate rage at an angels love
Henry!
BE id! Did ask you to wait for me
did tell you to sit up till A O'Clock, Who's
here! Well, l swear more of vour tom
foolery. Put that child to bed, and then off
with yourself. would be alone y
My dear husband "
Don't husband me. | tell you would be
alone. Cannot one be absent on business