Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1861-04-12

My God he gaspcd. 'whata villain am =
Look at mo now What a state am in, and
what have | sacrificed to bring myself to it !!
And they love me yet, and pray for me =
lie said no more, but for some moments he
stood with his hands still clonched. and eyes
fixed AT length his gaze was turned up
ward and his claspod hands were raised
above his head. A moment be remained so,
and then his hands dropped by his side and
he started homeward
When he reached his home he found his
wife and children in tears, but ho affected to
notice it not. He drew a shilling from his
pockct--it was his last--and handing it to his
wife, he asked her if she would send and get
some milk and -four, and make him some por-
ridge. The wife was startled by the strange
tone in which this was spoken, for it sounded
just as that voice had sounded in days gone
by.
Tho porridgc was made nice and noursh-
ing, and Charles ate it all. lie went TO bed
carly and early on the following morning he
was up. He asked his wife if She had milk
and flour enough to make him another bowl
Of porrdge.
yes, Charles she said. we have not
touched it,
Then if your arc willing, l should like some
more
The wife moved quickly about the work.
and ere long the food was prepared. The hus-
band ate it. and he fclt better. lie washed
and dressed, and would have shaved had his
hand been steady enough. He left his home
and went at once to "A man who had Just COM
monced to frame a house.
Mr.. Manly he said, addressing the gontlo-
man alluded to, Il have drank the last alco-
hoic beverage that ever passes my lips, Ask
me no more questions but believe me now
while you see me true viii You give me
work =
Charles Nelson, are you in earnest :; asked
Manly in surprise.
$50 much so, sir that were death to stand
upon my right hand and yonder har-room up
ON my left, would 60 with the grim messen-
ger first
Then here is my house lying about us in
rough timber and boards. / place il all in
your hands, and shall look to you to finish it,
While can trust you, You may trust me-
Come into my office and you shall have the
plan | have drawn
We will not tell how the stout man wept,
nor how his noble friend shed tears to see
him thus; but Charles Nelson took the plan,
and having studied 10 for while. he went out
where the men were at work getting the tim
Der together, and Mr. Manly introduced him
as their master. That day he worked but
little, for he was not strong yet, but he ar
ranged the timber, and gave directions for
framing. A night he asked his employer if
he dared to trust him with a dollar
why, you've earned three, returned Nam
ly.
And will you pay me three dollars day ];
IF you are as faithful as you have been to-
day, for you will save me money at that.
The poor man could not speak his thanks
in words, but his looks spoke for him. and
Manly understood them lie received his
three dollars, and on his way home he stopped
and bought first basket then three loaves of
bread, pound Of butter, some tea, sugar. and
piece of beef-steak, and had Just one dollar
and seyenty-five cents left. With this load
be went home. 1t was some time before he
could compose himself to enter the house, but
at last he went in and sat the basket on the
table
Come, Mary, said he, i have brought
something home for supper Here, Nelly
you take the pail and run over to Mr.. Browns
and get a couple Of quarts of milk
He handed the child shilling as he spoke.
and in a half bewildered state she took the
money and hurried away.
The wife started when she raised the cover
moved about like one in dream and ever
and anon she would cast furtiye glace at her
husband. lie had not been drinking-she
knew it-and yet he had money to buy rum
with if he wanted it. What could it mean
Had her prayers been answered. o, how
fervenHy she prayed then.
Soon Nelly returned with the milk, and
Mrs. Nelson had the table out After sup.
per Charles arose, and said to his wife:
must go up to Mr. Manly's office TO help
him arrange some plans for his new house,
but | will be at home early
A pang shot through the wfes heart as
she saw her husband turn away, but still she
was far happier than She had been before for
a long while. There was something in his
manner that assured her, and gave her hope
just 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 uttered a cry of Joy when she
saw how he was changed for the better. lie
had been to the barbor's and to the hattcrs.
Yet nothing was said upon the all important
subject. Charles wished to retire early, and
is wife went with him. In the morning the
husband arose first and built the fire. Mary
ad not slept until long after midnight, hav-
J ug been kept awake by the tumultuOus emo
ions that had started up in her bosom, and
hence she awoke not SO early as usual But
ihe came out just as the toa-ko tile and pota-
oes began to boil, and breakfast was som
eady.
/ After the meal was eaten, Charles arose,
mt on his hat, and then turning to his wife
/ le asked
What do you do to-day :
must wash for Mrs. Bixby
Are you willing to obey me once more ?
'O-yes
Then work for me to-day. Send Nelly
yer to tell Mrs. Bixby that you are not well
nough to wash, for You are not. Here is a
,ollar, and do with it as you please. Buy
omothing that will keep you busy for your
elf or children
Mr.. Nelson turned towards the door, and
is hand was upon the latch. He hesitatod,
nd then turned back. He did not spenk,
,ut he opened his arms and his wife sank up
n his bosom He kissed her, and then hay-
ng gently placed her in scat, he left the
,ouse. When he went to his work that
lorning he felt well, and very happy. Mr..