The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-03-07

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stand Iy me, ''sand he flung the white rega
ia with its emblem of ''red, white and blne,
over his shoulders and lifted his form proud
ly to its full height.
That emblem, the tones Of his voice, hi
changed apparel, the fast falling tears, ha
the eloquence Of truth, to the lcng-despair
ing wife, and sho trcmbled from head I
foot. And then the heart gave way, on
in voice and tears the food Of happincs
burst forth. With wild, startling shou
Of joy, she flung herself upon his neck, an'
sobl'ed as though her heart would burst ii
walls. i - g.
80, Michael, Michael my own noble
,s.iichaOl This joy i moro thai. cal
bear. 1t is too much happiness after s'
much sorrow-indced it is. am happier
now than the day we we'd"
Lifting her face from his neck, and proud
ly tossing her hair over her shoulders, she
stood moment as IL to realize that it was
not all dream, and again fell upon his neck
and wept. There were other wecpcrs, look
ing upon the scene through their tears.
"whcrc is Michacl?" inquired the re-
formed man, as he now thought Of his boy.
Then stealing to the place where he lay,
he knceled down and in silence hung over
him for a moment, and then shouted, "Mi-
chael ~
The boy started at the sound of that
voice, as though it had been the hiss of q
serpent.
'Don't he afraid, Michael, it's your fa-
thCr, my poor, injured boy, you won't hate
Inc now, viii your Your pa is. sober, and
will never drink any more. DO you hear
that, Michacl?"
1t was touching to hear the kneelinS pa
rent pleading with his child, for the love
that he feared rum had banshed. Michael
instinctiycly gathered from the tone and
manner, that hls father was not drunk
Seeing the regal,a upon his fathers neck, he
caught the rosettc and kissed it. Then wind
Ing his arms trustingly around the parents
neck, he said:
30, my own good pa, I'm so glad you
got that on. Now you'll love ma and |, ]
know you will, and, when | want bread you
cont scold, nnd-and-"
"Strike your No, no, never!' and the
humbled parent covered his child with hi
ropentant kisses. Then springing into the
middle of the room, he shouted,
"AIichael---isa is "a man again! llcai
that. Mary and then his eye fell upon her
tattcred garb, and wandered around the
miserable room, his head falling witt
shame.
'.'But this shall not be long. Wen have
bread to cat, and clothes to wear, for Mi.
chael - is a Son of Temperance and
will never drink rum again"
With anytcars and mutual. God bless
you's, we left the reformed man for the
night, proudcr than ever Of the cause whicl
went hunting among the graves Of manhood
for the angels which are ever watching
there.
Three years had passed since the incidents
we have detailed, and were again called t.
the city of -. The temperance host
had again gathered in their strength, Il
commemorate the anniversary of our Ma
tional Independence. AS we stood upon
the crossing with friend, a wcll-dressed
and handsome youth came and stood near
frequently cycling rs with more than ordi
nary interest. With manner frank ant
vet modest, he at last advanced and rendered
his hand, accompanied with the usual sal
utation.
"Perhaps you do not know me, ,"hc spoke
half sadly. "Don't you remember thrc'
years ago."
"Certainly dot was tho meeting o
the Grand Division"
"Yes, and don't you remember mc?"
"I do not, were you herc?"
"Don't remember me !" and his counte
nance fell under our gaze. "Don't you re
member Michael -, the boy that want
ed YOU to wskc his pa stop drinkins2' ant
he looked eagerly into my face.
al do" we answered, for the incident o
the night in the drunkard's home, cam'
back clear and distinct to our mind. San,
are you Michael 10y"
"Yes, sir, and I'm glad to see YOU"
"Arc your father and mother liying2'
"Yes, sir. They talk about you ever,
day, and mother prays for you every night.
"Does your father drink nOw?"
80, no, sir! he never has since you wcr'
to our house"
~ our WIhIl to ~ anu eCo hiS IhiNh''
he eagerly asScntcd, and we passed into tn
suburbs. 1t was our turn to he astonished
when the boy stopped before neat cottage
with vennda and blinds, and a yard fllc'
with choice shrubbery. As the door opcne'
however, we were more surprised. Awell
dressed lady met us with grace and cor
diality known only to good breeding.
She had not forgotten us, and with whis
percd blessings, covered our reluctant han'
with kisses. All seemed like a daeam-th'
work of enchantmcnt. The old board shan
;y had vanished, and around us were eyi
dences Of elegance and comfort. A cane
bottomed chair was presented, instead of tn
stool of three years before. And the wo
mn what change in her. The eye wa
filed with light Of happiness; there wa
bloom on the cheek. and elasticity in tn
step. The boy was not satisfied until b
had dragged from the parlOr heavy, hair
seat rocking chair, and placed it before us.
"Thcrc. sit in that. Ma says we owe