San Andreas independent., 1857-10-10

he went home. 1t was some time before
he could compose himself to enter the
house, but at length he went in and set
the basket on the table,
''Come Mary" he said, 'I have brought
something home for supper. Here Nelly,
you take the pail and run over to Mr..
; browns and get couple of quarts of
milk.
He handed her shilling as he spoke,
, and IN half-bewildered state she took
the money and hurried away.
The wife started when She raised the
cover OF the basket, but she dared not
, speak. She moved about like one in a
dream, and ever and anon she would cast
a furtivc glance at her husband He had
not been drinking-she knew it-and vet
he had money to buy rum with, if he
wanted it. What could it mean? Oh, 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:
81 must go ur to Mr.. Manlcy's office
to help him arrange some plans for his
new house, but will be home early
!, A pang shot through the wife's heart
as she saw her husband turn away, but
still she was far happier than she had been
before for long while. There was some
thing in his manner that assured her and
gave her hope.
just as the clock struck nine the we'll
} known football was heard, strong and
steady. The door opened and Charles
!, entered. His wife cast quick, keen
, glance into his face, and she almost ut
tered cry of JOY when she saw he was
changed for the better. He had been to
the barber's and hatter's. Yet nothing
: was said on the all important subject
) Charles wished to retire early, and his
: wife went with him. In the morning the
husband arose first and built fire. Mary
had not slept till long after midnight,
having been kept awake by tumultuous
emotions that had started up in her bo-
some, and hence she awokc not so early
as usual. But she came came out Just as
the teakcttle 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 p
, 81 must wash for Mrs Bixby."
} " Are you willing to obey me once
, more?"
ooh, yes"
) "Thcn work for me to-day Send Nelly
| over to tell Mrs. Bixby that you are not
well enough to wash, for you are not
} Here is a dollar; you must do with it as
you please. Buy something that will
keep you busy for yourself and children. -
Mr.. Ne'son turned towards the door,
and his hand was upon the latch. He did
not speak, bur opened his arms, and his
wife sank upon his bosom. He kissed
her, and then having gently placed her
IN seat, he left the house. When he
went to his work that morning he felt
well, and very happy.
Mr. Manley was by to cheer him, and
this he did by talking and acting as
though Charles had never been unfortu-
nate at ALL
1t was Saturday evening, and Nelson
had been week without rum He had
earned fifteen dollars, ten of which he had
now in his pocket.
"Alary,' said he, after the suppcr-table
had been cleared away, "here are ten dol
lars for you, and | want you to expend
themi in clothing for yourself and children.
[ have earned fifteen dollars during the
last five days. am to build Squire
Manley's great house, and he pays me
three dollars a day. A good job, isn't
it?"
Mary looked up, and her lips moved,
but she could not speak word. She
struggled a few moments, and then burst
into tears Her husband took her by the
arm and drew her upon his lap, and then
pressed her to his BOSOM
"Mary," he whispered, while the tears
ran down his checks, "you are not de-
ceived. am Charley Nelson once more,
and while | live not by any act of mine
shall another cloud cross your brow" y
And then he told her what he had heard
on the previous Monday, while he lay be-
hind the wall.
"Never before, he said, "did I fully
realize how low | had fallen; but the
scales dropped from my eyes then as
though some one had struck them off
with sledge. My soul started up to
standing point from which all the tempt
ers of earth cannot move it. Your pray
ers are answered, my wife,
Time passed on, and the cottage once
more assumed it's garb of pure white, and
its whole windows and green blinds. The
roses in the garden smiled; and every way
did the improvement work. Once again
was Mary Nelson among the happiest of
the happy, and their children choose their
own associates now.
STEAMBOAT OPPosITIoN.-"We are
advised upon authority,' says the Ma
rysciUe Herald, "that steamboat matters
in this State, this fall, are 50 complicated
that there is no probability whatever of
! fbo ropouol of fho oop+.oo+