Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-12-23
IRAsBURGH, VERMONT FRIDAY, DECEMBER % 1852

nc poor man WAS Ho# SHOWN ms
place in the shop, and once again he re-
sumed his work, though under different
impulse than had, for years. nerved him
to action. But his nerves were all un-
strung; his hands shook 50 that he could
with difficulty use. with the required
skill, the implements Of his calling. He
experienced, likewise. q sinking, sicken-
ing feeling; at times a dizziness and OBJ
security of mind would suddenly come
lover him, exciting the livliest emotions
Of fear lest nature would no besr up un-
der so sudden a withdraw of his ac-
eustomed stimulus. Gradually, however.
as his mind became intently fixed upon
his work, and his body felt the impulse
of manual activities, a slight reaction took
place, and the whole machinery of his
physical frame moved on with something
approaching TO a healthy tone. His
hand grew steadier, though 1t still
trembled.
Two hours brought his regular dinner
time, when Jarvis, who began to feel the
want Of food, returned home, with new
and strange feelings about his heart
One impulse was to tell his wife what he
had done, and what he was doing. But
then he remembered how often he had
mocked her new springing hopes-how
often he had promised amendment, and
once even Joined a temperance society.
only to relapse into a lower and more de-
graded condition. No, no. he said to
himself, after debating the question il his
mind, as he walked towards home, II
will not tell her now; I will first present
some proof of my repentance; 1 will give
such an assurance as viii create con-
fdence and hope.
Mrs. Jarvis did not raise her eyes to
( the face of her husband as he entered.
The sight Of that once loved counteaance.
distorted aud disfgured, even made her
heart sick while she looked upon it
Jarvis seated himself quietly in chair.
and held out his hands for his Youngest
child, not over two years old, who had no
consciousness of his fathers degradation.
! In a moment the happy little creature
was on MS knee; but the other children
showed no inclination to approach bis
conduct had estranged their young hearts
purest and most innocent Affections
This was perceived and felt keenly but
be had hope Of recIaiming all he had lost,
and this compensated, in some degree, for
the present distance and estrangement.
The frugal meal passed in silence and
restraint. AIrs. Jarvis felt troubled and
oppressed, for the prospect before her
seemed to grow more and more gloomy.
All the morning she had suffered from
steady pain in her breast, and from a las
situde that she could not overcome. Her
pale, thin, careworn face told sad tale
Of suffering, privation, confinement and
want Of exercise. What was TO become
Of her children she knew not. Under
such feelings of hopelessness, to have one
sitting by her side who could take much
/ Of her burdens from her, were he to VIII
Iit-who could call back the light to her
heart, if only true to bis promise made
in earlier and happier years-soured in
Isome degree her feelings, and obscured
her perceptions. She did no. note that
some change had passed upon him-a
change that if marked would have caused
her heart to leap in her bosom.
/ As soon as Jarvis had risen from the
table, he took his hat, and kissing the
youngest child, the only one there who
seemed to regard him, passed quickly
from the house. AS the door closed after
him, his wife heaved a long sigh, and
then rising mechanically proceeded to
clear up the table. OF how many crush
ed affections and disappointed hopes did
that one deep, tremulous sigh speak.
Jarvis returned to bis work, and aB-
Piled himself steadily during the whole
afternoon. Whenever a desire for liquor
returned upon him, be quenched it in a
copious draught Of water, and thus kept
: himself as free from temptation as posi-
bic. At night be returned when the
same troubled uneasy silence pervaded
the little family at the supper table. The
meal was scanty, for Mrs. Jarvis irces-
sant labor could procure but a poor sup
ply Of food. After the children had been
put to bed, Mrs. Jarvis sat down, a
usual, tn spend the evening, tired as she
was, and as much as her breast painea
her, in sewing. A deep sigh inyolunla-
rily heayed her bosom as she did 50. Il
caught the ear Of her husband, and smote
upon his heart. He knew that be,