The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-11-27
He did not see the snow nor think

sick; and perhaps now and then his thoughts
strayed to snug parsonage that was TO be a
little way in the future, bright and warm, with
furnishing and FIRE, but brighter and warmer
with the smile of Charity. Everybody furnished
some new material for his dream. It would be
such an eligible and happy mating for both
Perhaps it might have been, but the heart is
perverse. and responds not always TO the judg
ment. No cold calculator takes note of the
look or the word that unsettles his best-laid
foundations and throws down his fine fabric.
The heart itself cannot calculate by what mys-
terious attraction it shall be made captive.
And peace had the soul of Charity, as she
went about her household cares, planning lit
tie surprise she would make for David. His
friend Charley should be invited, and the young
missionary, and half dozen beside, to an even
ing merry-making; and 50 David should learn
that the preacher was human like himself, and
the preacher that David was not all bad-that
he had good thoughts, indeed, and good inten-
tions. Il was a novel combustion she pro-
posed, and yet she could not but believe it would
be very happy in its effects.
Dear, good Charity While she thus thought
fully prepared the happy surprise, her bad broth
er prepared very different surprise for himself.
"Halloo! the top of the morning to you'll"
called out that young man to Charley, as he
took the cigar from his mouth, and unlocked
the door of his grocery store.
Charleys smooth face lighted up with great
smile, that took in half the world, he replied,
in his jocular, good-natured fashion, that he
was all right.
"There, by the Lord, Harry" exclaimed
David, forgetting his good resolution, and turn
ing as he pushed the door open, {" if there don't
come that cussed old Riffraf driving my gray
mare; and splendiferous turnout he makesl"
H. L., L. tIott ILL
Charley.
ooh, may be he is" replied DAVID smile
playing over the angry color that had come up
to his face; and slipping his hands in his peck
cts, and making for one foot stool of tar
barrel, he watched the approach of MIR. Black,
| in his splendid turnout.
| Now, if that person had drawn the reins, and
said, &c have brought home your mare" or any
thing like that, the smile would haveremained on
the face of Mr.. Wardel; and it is quite likely
he would have answered, 81 don't want your
mare, old fellow; drive her back again" But
such procedure was not in the nature of things.
The man who is habtually unjust, is not likely
to be generous. And Mr.. Black slid dashingly
over the snow, without 80 much as making the
slightest recognition of his nightly companion.
"Stop, you old son of perdition, and give up
my marel" shouted Wardell, as the flying ami
NAL tossed the snow in his face.
an see you in the canal first" was the
answer.
81 WISH" said Wardel, growing his words
across the street to Charley, "that wicked old
blackleg was where he will be sometime"
"Don't, David" was the answer. And the
young friends saw no more of each other for
that day.
The black horse was harnessed to an anti
quated vehicle, half sleigh and half sled, and
h. 10 ,r<hh 49,,
suggestion and for the interest of Mr.. Boffman;
and David passed the time in smoking cigars
by the hot stove, drinking punch, and tossing
snow-balls with the boys and butchers in the
street-a bad preparation for the promised bet
ter life.
! 1t was nine o'clock, perhaps, and the streets
lighted and merrier than in the day, when the
light disappeared at the small window in the
! darkgable of Mr.. Bofman's house. The door
opened and shut and the snowy stairs creaked
under the descending feet of Charles Highway.
he paused at the ground step, and buttoned
his coat tight across his breast, preparatory to
q walk to town. Saturday was approaching,
when he was to 20 home, and the new dress
must be bought for his sister. All the money
he had was in his vest pocket-not so much as
he would have liked to have, yet still enough
he hoped to buy very pretty new dress.
The wind was quiet but very sharp-so
sharp, that Charley thought the warmth and
cheerfulness of cigar would be agreeable in
the chilly and lonely walk before him he
would step into Wardells for a moment, but he
would not stop longer than the time required
for the Lighting Of the weed; he was quite sure
of that.
"Friend of my soul !" exclaimed Wardell,
rising, and shaking hands with the greatest
cordiality, 81 began to fear you were not
To III of
venting providences, such as your having taken
a drop too much, or getting into rluss, and
consequently not being able to see your way
very clearly. See what your uncle has been
doing for your comfort" and he pointed to a
huge bowl of punch and box of cigars on the
table.
"Not Drop" said Charley, helping himself
to cigar, and telling his friend, as he held it
between his closed teeth, that he would perhaps
take drink as he returned; he was just set
out for a walk to the city.
"No you DON'T" interposed David, filling a
tumbler, and presenting it; "you would break
your uncle's heart by refusal"
Charley still shook his head but, when Da-
vid went on, Independently, "Why, Charley
I've been an hour making this punch, lust be-
cause l thought you would like it," there was
no resisting, and Charley took the glass with
the intent of gratifying his friend by harmless
draught, and go at once.
OF course, David must drink with his friend !;
he knew the punch was perfectly harmless; he
had been drinking of it all day and, filling his
tumbler, he seated himself, and, as he drank
entered into lively relation of the events of
the day.
Charley presently unbuttoned his coat, and
| filled second glass, praising it as he drank,
and growing more and more confident that it
was not insbristing.
Take another drink" urged Wardell, when
he arose to GO, and will then shut up shop,
and walk down with you"
Loungers dropped in one after another, cut
ting slices of dried sausage and herring, and
proposing, as they chewed noisily, to play a
game or two of brag, or seven.up, or euchre !;
but Wardell firmly declined all such overtures
81 have repented my wicked ways," said he,
land begin to be afraid of where I'll die when
go TO-"
There was much laughing and testing, and
bantering, IN the course of which Wardeil rela.
ted his venture with Billy Black, and the ras.
cally manner in which he had backed out after
fairly and honestly losing his bet
| wouldn't stand it, said one, with an oath.
You're coward, and I'll think wuss of YOU
than / do of him, if you don't 60 and whip
him." said another, with double oath.
Thus badgered and builied, the young man
drank more and more, and more and more,
till at last the badgering and the stimulus
brought him to the point where there was MOTH