Litchfield enquirer., 1856-02-28

basket upon the ia6le.
 | .'Come, Mary" lie said; s.l have brought
 something home for supper; Here, Nelly, tod take the pail and run over to Mir. Browns and get couple quarts of milk. '"
 He handed the child shilling as he spoke, and in half bewildered state sine took the money and hurried away. The wife started when she raised the cover of the basket, but she dared no, speak. She moved about like one in dream, and ever and anon she would cast furitive glance at her husband. He had not been drinking-she knew it--and yet he had money 10 buy rum with if he wanted it,
 What could t mean f'' Had her prayers been answered1 o how fervently she prayed then.
 Soon Nelly returned with the milk, and Mrs. Nelson set the table out. After sup per, Charles arose, and said to his wife.
 must go up b Mr. Manly's office to help him arrange some plans for his new ! house, but will be at home early" A pang shnt through the wife's heart as see saw her husband turh away. hut still she was far happier than she had been be- fore for long while. There was some. thing in his manDer that assured her, and gave her hope.
 Just as the clock struck nine, the welt kRown fooifall was heard, strong and steady. The door opened, and Charles en. tered. His wiie cast a quick, keen glance of joy when she saw how he had changed for the hetter. Ye, nothing was said upon the all important subject. Charles wished to retire early. and hts wife went with him. In the morning the husband arose first and built the fire. Mary had not slept until long after midnight, having tbeen kept awake by the tumultnous emotions that had stsrted up in her bosom, and hence she awoke not so early as usual. But she came out just as the tea-ket,le and potatoes began to boil, and breakfast was soon:ready.
 After the meal was eaten. Charles arose and put on his hat, and then turning to his wife he asked:
 "What do you do to day. 2''
 "l mnst wash for Mrs. Bixby."
 "Are you willing to obey me once more !'
 "O-yes
 "1hen work for me today. Send Mel. Y over to tell Mrs Bixby that you sre not well enough to wash. for you are not.- Here is dollar. and you must do with it as you please. Buy something that will keep you busy for y"urseif or children"
 Mir. Nelson turned towards the door, and his hand was upon the latch. He hesilated, and then turned back. He did not speak, bur he opened his arms and his wife sank upon his bosom. He kissed her, and then having gently placed her tn a seat. he left the house. When hs went to his work .ha, morning. heifeis well and happy. Mr. Manly was by to cheer hiIn, and this he did ny talking and acting as though Charles had never beer unfortunate at alt.
 lt was Saturday evening and Nelson had been slmost week without rum. He had earned fifteen dollars, ten of which he now had in his pocket.
 " Masyt' he said after the sapper iable had heen cleared away. " hers are tefs dol lars for you. and ! want Jon to expend 1t in clothing for yourself and children. | have earned fiftsen dollars during the last i've days. lam to build Squire Maniy's great house. and he pays me three dollars . day. X good job, isn't it7''
 Mary looked up, and her lips moved, bus che could hot speak word. She struggled few rrorhents, and then burst into tpafs. Her husband took her by the arm. and then pressed her to his bosom.
 " Mary" he whispered, while tine tears ran down his own cheeks, G you are not deceived. ! am Charles Nelson once more, and will be while live. Not by any act of mine shaif another cloud cross your brow. And then he told of the words he had heard on the previous Monday, while he lay behind the walt.
 <" Never before." he said, "did fully realize how low had fxiien, bnt the scales dropped fromsmy eyes as siscoxh some one had struck then of &i,h a sl-dge My sotl started up to a stand poin, fro,n which al tsre tempters of eaf,ii tath6t move n.- Yoar prayers are answered. my whe." Fine passtG oh, and he cottage 6Aee more assumed its gafb of pure &hiie. and its whole windows and green blinds. The ,, roses in the garden smiled. and i'd every way did the Improvement Work. Once again was Mary Nelson among the hap- piesI of the happy, and her children choose 1 their own assocfates.
 Ways or CoMMrrrssG Suicfpt @'year- l ing thin shoes on | damp nigh, in rainy weather.
 Leading life of enfsebliug stupid Iazi. ness and keeping the mind in an unnatural excitement by reading trashy novels. l Going to balls in all sorts of weather in 1 the thin1tesr possible dress; Dancing till in compfess pesptra,ioa, and then going
 home through the damp air.
 l Sleeping on feather beds in seven by-nine bed rooms
 Suhsiiiag on hot and very stimulating dinners,