The Kanzas news., 1858-11-27
g. II. EAfPORIA, KANSAS NOVEMBER o.. 1858

former congeniaI mates. II drsnk-and
I !did-it was secretly, and always slept it
off. Ny friends and those of Annette
prophesied match-you see my father was
Wealthy had good expectations, intend
ed TO study for the Law, and was deemed
what is called desirable catch.
/ believe ] worshipped Annette. She
was scarcely more than child, but such a
glorious gifted creature. She was fifteen, ]
twenty; five years between u.s. We were
engaged IN twelvemonth from that time,
while ! was going through college;
For year had successfully resisted my
old disease 1 called it disease; do now.
Remember did not let the cursed draught
alone, as should. I only kept the appe-
tite in unwholesome subjeelion. applied
the knife, but not to the right place, and
there came disgrace and downfall.
One night the students had frolic. !
was the foremost reYeller. They tempted
me with devilIsh pertinacity to drink to ex-
cess. ! did so; grew quarrelsome and
raised row. In the melee two of the stu
dents we're injured, and made so much
noise that we were discovered in our revels.
The blows that were given were proved up
on me falsely never remembered that ]
gave them. was convicted, expelled and
published.
The disgrace was overwhelming. tried
to kill myself when heard that Annette IS
friends had cast me off forever. A note was
put in my hand one day just asI had deter
mined on the means to rid myself of exist
ence. 1t read thus -
DEAR RICHARD IL am sorry for you:
do not believe all they say, and surely a
man is not to be cast off for one false step.
Come to Aunt Martha's this afternoon.-
They have forbidden me to receive you at
the house, but will see you there.
- Yours, as eUer,
ANNETTE.
o! sir, that made my heart leap into my
throat with Joy anG grief. She did not
know that this was far from my first "false
STEP"
Dear angel, she had faith in me and want
ed to comfort me. Besides, she was young,
impulsive, loving. AT three in the after
noon went to the place she had designa-
ted. It was poor, plain house, for her
Aunt Martha was far from rich, and, as I
sat in the little dark parlor, Annette came
in and made it all alight.
Her low esdear Richard!' was the sweet
est music ever heard. Then as I caught
her to my bosom, she pressed back my
hair with her loving fingers, and said with
smile that seemed angelic-''they can't
make me think you wicked, dear Dick,
while look on that facel''
Her TOico inoPisoa SO, hA- perfect faith,
for the time. elevated my manhood. 81
lently vowed that such thing should new
er happen again-that / would not die but
make myself worthy of her.
"You do not believe all they say of me
then?' I asked.
..No, Dick;'' the beautiful eyes were
raised lovingly to mine. '.No, Dick, and
wouldn't believe though they had made
you appear guiltier than you are. You
know Dick she added as if to apologize
for, to soften the apparent reproof, sit is
very, very wicked to drink at ALL
"But I did not injure the Students"
said evasively. .'I distinctly saw Hal Burr
and Joe White strike at them; 1 am sure ]
did not touch them It is all done through
jealousy"
81 knew it; told them so at home;'
said Annette, triumphantly 'sSaid I, Dicl
is smart and the foremost of his class, ant
they hate him for it. They viii injure hi:
good name if they can, but aeuer in my es
timation.''
Good bless you. my love-" was all
could say. There were tears in my eyes
and promises in my heart!
We parted. to GO tony disgracee
home to meet cold, ayerted looks-she tc
be sheltered and petted and loved by all whC
knew her. My father, with incredible ex
lertion, procured me situation IN the ser
vice. It was the worst thing that coulc
/ have been done for me-, though as there wa
soon to be fighting. promotion--if | liyet
was possible, nay, almost certain. Blu
temptation was on that vessels deck and IL
her cabin. took leave of Annette ant
went to sea. Once on the ocean, / forgo
prudence, love, Annette, all things pure ant
4 good. IN my devotion to the cup. Their
was wine at table. A sdashing Young of
6cer who s'took' to me had supplied him
self with champagne and various liquors
1 was always to certain extent drunk
|. Our destination was Mexico. There, fo
the exhibition of drunken valor, was ap
pointed second Lieutenant-before ha
been third. Ali sir, 1 lived gay life.
Il dare not tell, nor even think of my excesses
| they were horrible Once again / was pro
NOTED and came home with the honers of
Il first lieutenancy thick upon me. Then
: was lionized. Annette,s friends forgot m
weakness. The glitter of my epaulette
!, filed their vision. They could NOT see th
; drunkard in uniform. went to Annette
home as1 listed.
4 One night called upon her. had bee
4 drinking freely and was not sensible of m
q situation, or IKouId have Shot myself be
fore had yentured into her presence
I She never looked more beautiful What
Il said or did that night never knew distinc1
: ly. | remember her wild look of afrigf
hands, pushing me frantically frol
1 her<-hers springing away and my chasin
her-her cries of affright-fnaily her loci