The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-06-13

filled with her own sad thoughts, Catharine |
noticed not the sounds that showed all were
actively engaged at tho shop. Her husband
did not return at noon-and, indeed, she |
scarcely expected him, for he was seldom
with them ut meals. She had lingering
hope that he might come in the evening,
but even this was very doubtful. Her heart
beat quickly, when, just after the sun had
sunk behind the western hills, his step was
heard ut the door. The little ones chung TO
her dress as he entered, for they had learned
to fear his approach.
Are you not coming 10 see ftherT he
aid kindly. "fou are not afraid Of me,
Johnny, my manf''
Not 70 night, father" replied Johnny
boldly. "Come, little Kate, come to faith
er; he viii not hurt us.
Catharine trembled lest the reply should
irritate him; bat he only sighed deeply,
and took the children in his arms without
speaking. With more of cheerfulness than
she had felt for months, Catharine busted
herself with preparations for the evening
meal.
"father tells me there Is 10 be famous
lecture in the village" said Wilder, as they
took their seat at the table.
"Can you 20 with me to hear him, Cath.
arine? Never mind the children" he ad-
ded, as wife glanced towards the little
ones.
"Sister Mary has promised to come round
and look after them"
Then | will 60 with pleasure, john"
replied Catharine, and the untasted food
stood before her, for she felt too happy to
eat.
"Take some supper, mama" lisped little
Kate; and Johnny seconded the petition by
saying;
.'Yes mama, take some supper. Does it
no make you glad to have father home
with u.s. You always cry when he is
gone"
There were tears in GATHERINGS eyes now,
but loving glance from her husband sent a
thrill of happiness through her heart, to
which it had long been stranger.
Ii seemed almost like dream 10 Cathe-
rine when she found herself actually walk
ing through the. little village, leaning upon
her husbands arm, for il was long. long
since they had been seen together. She
was silent, for her heart was 10 full to speak,
and Wilder seemed busy with his own
thoughts.
Citharine started with surprise when she
found the subject was temperance; and she
would have given much 70 know IL John
was aware of this before he invited her 10
attend. The speaker was an able one
Most eloquently did he speak Of the miseries
OF intemperance, of the perfect thraldom in
which IL holds its victims. Admiralty did
he portray the home of the drunkard, the
wretched wife, and the miserable, neglected
children. Then followed an earnest appeal
10 those he was addreSsing-to those, in
particular who stood on the brink of the
fatal precipice, but who had not precipitated
themselves into the gulf brlow. Pause"
he said, "pause, and while there is vet
time, pledge yourself to throw Of the yoke
that binds you. BE true to yourself, and to
the dear ones who gather around your house.
hold hearth"
The pledge was produced, and young
and old, pressed forward to aiix their
names.
"Are there no moro who should Gomez
continued the orator, rs the last signature
was enrolled. Z" Are there not those who
ARE hesinting between life and death?-
Remember, this pledge binds you not to
slavery: il is bat the token offrccdOm. "
Calmly and deliberately John Wilder
left his wifs's side and advanced 10 the tn
bic. There was general murmur of pleas
urc throughout the assembly; Catharine
spake not, and, 20 an indifferent spectator,
might have appeared unmovei. The name
was firmly and fairly written, the assembly
dispersed and each took the road to his
own home, or joined the numerous little
groups who stood conversins upon the events
of the evening.
AS Catharine passed out, leaning upon
her husbands arm, many congratulatory
smile or kind shake OF the hand was re
ccived, but apparently they were unnoticed
Not one word was spoken until they had
passed through the shady lane and were
rapidly approaching the cottage. The
sight Of her home broke the SPELL a full
realization Of the change which now might
take place came over her. The cloud had
passed away. Her husband, the father of
her children was restored to her.
"John dear, dear John?" she muir
murcd and burst into teirs.
my own Catharine my dear true
hearted little wife :" he said tenderly Us
he encircled her with his arm.
No more p Sscd between them, for Mary
was watching for their approach and with
many assurances that she had deem faithful
TO her charge, said that she must bid them
goodnight without delay, Tor father and
mother would be weary with waiting for
her.
Her mother and sister stood waiting for
her, as with light step she passed down the
lane aud across the field which led 10 the
." old place" and then entered the cottage
The babies slept quietly: and side by side,
rs in days gone by they sat down near the
open easement, and talked long and freely of
the past. present and future.
1t has been long night, dearest" he
said, but with Gods help the day viii
now dawn upon you. You have ever been
faithful wife and mother. | have caused
you much suffering, but in future il shall
be my endeayor TO be what | ought 10 BE-
both to you and my Children"
Catharinc pressed closer 90 his side, and
looked confdingly in his face, but she made
no reply; and after short pause, Wilder
said, hesitatingly;
"Perhaps, Ga harine, you are not aware
that we have still some trials to pas through
We are in debt aud unless can make some
arrangement with my creditors, We NUT
part with our pleasant home to satisfy their
claime."
"Do we owe very much ?" asked Cath
arine, shade Of anxiety passing over her
countenance.
:" \ mere tribe to those who have riches
but large sum To those who have nothing"
was thereby "About two hundred dollars,
l believe"
Cathaiine gently disen@ged herself from
tho arm which her husband had thrown
around her, and entered the little room
where the children were sleeping. In a
few moments she returned, and placed
small box in her husbands hand, and said
smilinSly ....-....
" Here Is a gift for you, dear john
Sand heavy one. to say the least, /" re
pied Wilder, as he raised the lid. "Why,
Catharinel" was his as,onished exclama-