Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1856-09-03
when will YOU do it. RobertY'

Such was the earnest interrogatory of a
pale-taced, affectionate wife, to a brute OF
a husband, who came home late on Satur-
day night, with a brick In his hat, but not
a cent in his pocket. The last earnings
Of the week were gone. The little, bright
eyed children had finished their scanty
meal and retired to rest, and Noble, the
once-loved, beautiful wife of Robert, sat
pensive and alone. The faithful cat had
nestled herself in the corner, the light was
growing dim, the clock had struck eleven,
Robert was still out, she knew not where
yet the faithful, h~eart-broken wife was
plying her needle, while ever and anon,
the pent-up agony of her bosom burst forth
into a suppressed sigh, and her sweet eyes
~involuntarily let fall a tear, which chased
its silent way down her now pallid but
once rosy cheek. The pants of the little
boys had been patched pile Of little
stockings which lay by her side had been
darned, and now she sat mending Roberts
only pair.of clean breeches for the Sab
bath. Tick, tick, went the clock; she
looked up and it was nearly twelve.
just then, she heard the well-knoWn
tramp of Robert, and another step, he
came laundering against the door. She
we'll knew his condition, and starting to
the door, she calculated in a low tone,
" Mercy on me Is there no help for me y
She quickly opened the door, and the be-
sotted Robert came staggering in and seat
ed himself in the corner. Soon he seized
, the poker, and punched the few embers
| on the hearth, and then, as if In spite OF
! ! A~Iollie's silence, he stirred up poor puss
i with the poker, which made her growl and
purr, but on opening her eyes and discov-
erlng hat Robert Was in his cups, she soon
sought refuge under the adjacent bed.
robert and Mollie were alone. How
meanly, wretchedly, he felt. He thought
he would never do 50 agaiu-almost vowed
never to touch another drop. Off Mol.
lie would but speak to me, he thought
He could bear ner gentle remonstrance-
even a harsh rebuke from her lips-but
. her silence was intolerable. At length
st worn out with her speechless agony, winch
S he now saw heaved her bosom almost tt
bursting, he said, timidly, "Wite, VIII,
1t don't you speak Z" "Robert," said she
J. 8 my heart $ too full to speak" Silence
again ensued. Mollie sat musing over he
fate, bordering In her mind what eours
a to take. robert turned from side to side
Of twisting himself in his chair, OCCASIONAL
" casting "a sly glance at his wife, and no,
and then rousing himself to the effort Q
It. humming some pious tune, or, failing i
the attempt, would finish the line with
IL sort of whistle. Drops OF persplratio
ne stood upon his broW-the agony Of hi
soul Was intense. o! that she would speal
At length, toe gentle, sweet wife, disco
a ering his restlessness, turned to him an
De said, "Robert! rAy do you do so !"-
:. " Wife" said he, 81 nave tried and triec
Is but can't help it; but l think If you wi
'e, pardon me this time, | will quit it,
!. = When will you do it, Robert! Z" sal
elr Mollie. so! wife," said Robert, "yo7
lat love, your forbearance, your more tn;
M human kindness, have conquered me.
rth will quit it now-this night" The ba
Oh rier was passed-he had conquered hll
re- self, and Robert became a sober man.
eV- Let wives learn to be gentle towards
zen Tending husbands, and they are sure
one conquer.-N. q. Christian Ad0ocate.