The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1858-03-25

NoMA 1NWA lAoAe 90 PAAl y o A-y A""-
mess was neglected, and we became
poor, very poor; and soon I had mo-
means to satisfy my terrible appetite.
zone fatal night, I took her por
trait, and gave it to the dramseller, till
I could redeem IT, How its beauty
mocked mel and the lustrous eyes seem
ed to look sad and reproaohful, as I did
the shameful deed.
"T did not drink much that night
Ny remorBeful heart ,9ouid turn back
to the days when I frst met my Mary
heard jest, and a laugh, and scorn
ful finger was pointed towards her por-
trait. Ny brain took frel Give it to
mo, criedj let me take it from this
acoursed placer
Sir, said the hoartIess liquor-sel-
Ter, do you know what you are sayiug2
do you know where you are2 When
you pay for your dram you can have
that picture and not till then
"A smothoring sensation came over
me. rushed out into the open air,
and hastened homo As I entered, /
heard a voice, and stopped to listen,-
How long, how long will it bo2' the
voice gently murmured. I stepped into
the room. 1t was Mary She looked
startled when entered.
" What were you saying?' 1 asked
abruptly.
" / was thinking how long it will be,
till I shall sleep beside Willie. The
grass waves so swcetly there. Iwaut to
lie down too-I feel so weary. If you
would only think of me, sometimes,
, when I am gone; think how I've loved
you. If you would only come too,
darling, I'd weave crown Of white
z blossoms, to rest on your dear head
p "Her cheeks were flushed, and her
eyes unusually bright. looked at her,
2 sitting there, so angel-like, with such
s unutterable love shining in her eyes
{ and told her in trembling words that
, her portrait was gono She returned
10 my gaze, as though the last hope of hel
: life was dead; and with a cry Of anguish
e that I never shall forget, she sank
scnseless atmy feet.
d 81 lifted her up, and pressed her tc
h my heart, and the love of years thrill
e ed my very being. I called her by en-
c dearing names, but she answered only
in delirium, laid her upon her bed
- and for the first time in long years
knelt down and prayed.
d "When morning came summoned
e physician; for she continued to grow
i worse through the night. Hopronouno
t ed her sickness a dangerous brain fe
/. yer, Days passed on; still she grew
o worse, and they told me one evening
r my Mary must dio
I 81 started up in horror Could it b.
e possible2 begged her to speak on,
q, word of forgiveness; but she talked il
st her delirium of green trees and bloom
p ing flowers, far away. 1 prayed wildl,
y for that life SO dear, and God pitied me
j. and spared herl
."Tho spell Of the tompter was broker
n at lastl returned to the man who hat
T. robbed me Of so much peace, and re
l. deemed the portrait. He set out a glas
d Of brandy, telling me I looked pale, an,
1t it would do me good I dashed it t.
le the floor, and told him, thank God, tina
d I was a free mani
n "Oh how I detest the poison, tina
n robbed me of so much joy--that des
troyod the youthful vigor of my frame
lt and almost murdered my wife! Oh
1T Nellie, Nellie tears, bitter tearsl the roi
l. of all that is holy and good, all that
worth living for, follows after the dar
lt and fearful footsteps of Intomporanc,
ID "When my poor Mary returned
p consciousness, and saw her portraithang
le ing in its accustomed place, she smiled
1 but the tears would come when she sa
ct my care-worn countenancoi though
ia told her / had never been more happ
al in my life Then I told her 1 was saDsl
le and oh Nellie our anthems Of prais
as and thanksgiving to God went up t.
e: gether, joyfully.
&c "The succeeding years brought I
e, much peace and happiness. / recove
It, ed what had lost and more; and
~ this very month, a score of years az
90 brought my Mary to this beauGf
NJ home have knelt with her here
OF this room to pray; and often have v
sat out there on the piazza, while 81
Id sung sweet songs, till the twilight fade
's into darkness
to "But all earthly happiness is leotin
and when God gave you to mo Nellie, ]
ny took her to Himself It did not seem I'd
- death, the light Of her life won't out