The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-09-16

come to. Besides, ! only take glass in
moderation"
Thus deluding himself he went on his way,
daily becoming less liable to resist the dread,
ful habit that was eoiling round him in folds
as strong as those Of the boa constructor.
Annie, prayed, entreated, held up to him
examples, warnings; and finding oil Of no
avail, 10 her fathers surprise, but not regret,
she caused the marriage to be postponed
indefinitely. The natural purity Of her ma.
ture revolted at the idea Of marrying man
who had so far forgotten himself II must
be admitted that the never. .be.forgottn
pale face at the wicketgate, seen 10 the twi.
light, very much influenced her determine.
ton.
Have yon and Frank quarreleds" 10.
quired her father.
"No--that ID, not much; but be keeps too
much company, and ! am AFRAID" Annie
I'D s.sa ssAS.Ss, ~ ~
loved the erring young man, and would not
degrade him In her parents eyes.
Harvey, with all loves eloqocnce. pleaded
for a reversal Of the sentence; be promised
conformity to her wishes, even to taking a
pledge.
Annie, although her heart beat violently,
was unyielding; oil that she would grant
was years probation.
"WLy, we may be oil dead In that time y
he exclaimed. /" Besides, isn't il better TO
SOW my wild oats before marriage than
afterr
Annie had been great reader, 30 she
Indignantly replied, "Wild oats, indeed
And do you expect me to take for husband
a man who has been soiled in all kinds Of
mire' You might as well ask me TO live In
q house without roof or windows. Harvey,
you are much mistaken II You think l will
give my hand TO man who has not been
able 10 control himself. And as to wild oats,
I plainly tell you, Frank, that, simple coun-
try girl as / am, know that II man has
wild oats before marriage, he 10 pretty sure
TO have an abundant crop Of them after
wards"
Harvey considered himself il.used, and
Annie did not see him for week afterwards
When she did, she was gratifed and sur.
prised Of q visible improvement In his ap.
pcarance, and this continued throughout the
winter, aud, a. II 10 assure her that the
change was real, no more injurious reports
reached her ears. But this amendment was
only artificial, for Harvey, prodting by the
evil counsels Of his companions, pursued bis
career Of dissipation away from his native
place. This hypocrisy, however, only served
to harden his nature and strengthen the NV.
ful habit into which be had fallen. II also,
by inspiring in him too much confidence 10
his powers Of endurance, brought about its
exposure and punishment.
aI'm seasoned now, and defy even Annie
10 zee there's anything the matter with me-"
he said, yain-gloriously, as one evening In
June he called at Annies fathers house,
and took bis accustomed seat 10 the parlor.
Annie observed with horror that he was
very much intoxicated, and the memory Of
the pale face at the wicket-gate came over
her with siekening distinctness. Her father,
although short-sighted, noticed something
strange In Harvey's behavior, but bad the
latter confined himself TO ordinary topics
the old man might not have known the
cause. As the fumes Of the poisonous CON-
pounds he had swallowed 10 excess mounted
TO bis brain, Harvey became excited, and
presently all sense OF discretion vanished 10
the vain desire 10 communicate what he con-
sidered good news.
Congratulate me, be exclaimed, with
difficulty, suppressing a hiccup, congrstu.
late me II stand chance of making three
thousand pounds
Glad 70 bear IT," said Mr.. lee. Through
a deceased relative, supposef" q.
Deceased fddlesticksr exclaimed liar.
vey. No. Look you here. Annie and
/ are 10 be marrled next year, 20 thought
I'D risk hundred or two 10 make her more
comfortable like, 20 ! took Tom Higgins
advice, and laid EN- out on the next July
cup. Sure to win--so Tom says and al.
though I have lost 10 IN, never venture,
never win. 80 you see, Annie, / shall put
three thousand pounds 10 your apron next
month. What do you think Of that, sweet
heart 7"
With this rhodomontade Harvey a,.
tempted TO draw nearer 10 Annie bat she
retreated behind her iatber's chair, saying
Prank, 20 home, pray d."
Mr.. Lee, now clearly perceiviDg the con.
dition Of bis intended sop.in law, seconded
the request, bat Harvey, Ike q man, blindly
rushing upon his ruin, took no heed Of tbe
intimatiou, bat began to talk about bi beta
and borserscing. and other matter, connect.
ed with the turf. Mr.. LIE at lergth lost al
patience. and authorita,ively babe bin make
the bes, ofhs way home.
Home! Why this Ia as much my home
a. the farm, isnf II :" shouted Harvey, with
druhken kvity.
Never" exclaimed Mr.. Ire, Thoroughly
dsgusted. meyer shall il be q home for Q
drsnkas3 sma gambler. Lave the room
--esye tke koase ! nov zee why my
wise, good Annie pat 90 the wedding. oh
Prank, did not think this d tbee! and
right glad am Thy fssher IA no, living to
see Tit soaad have broken his heart.
leave fS.s ho>~e I .sx ,heu degc,eV.,s mn.