The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-10-11

ho "oriu strOnBer anu Wiscr nhu'
DO not overrate your own strength she
said. NOR make this pledge simply for my
sake, but because your own sense Of right
and honor points the way. Come to me in
one year and then-and then'-there was no
need of finishing the sentence-he under
stood Its meaning and was satisfied.
Kate reached home just in season to wit
ness her fathers death, and remained there
during the summer to comfort her mother,
and assist her IN managing affairs on the farm
and taking care Of the little ones.
Mr.. Saunders and Annie were married in
June following, and, after an extensive bri.
dal tour, returned to reside in house which
her father had fitted up in an expensive style
as a gift to his daughter, fondly believing
that when once started in life Henry's tai
ent's would make him sure Of success, ana
so they would IL they had been rightly d.
rected. He opened law office Of his own,
and was soon in the whirlpool of business.
They were Hattcred and carcssed by the
world, but as fondly Us he loved his bcauti-
ful wife, scarcely two years had passed ere
he was seeking pleasures away from her side.
She noticed his changed appearance, but cy-
or ready to excuse him, with oil woman 3
fondness. accepted his plea that urgent busi-
ness demanded his attention elsewhere. But
business, too, was soon neglected, and almost
nightly might he be found at some scene Of
rcvclry. This could not last without mat
ters growing worse, and ono night, long at-
ter the watchmen had commenced patroling
the streets, he was led home by two of his
comrades in state OF intoIication. Annie
was anxiously awaiting his return, and on
answering the summons Of the bell, found
that he was unwilling tn enter his own
house.
This amt my homeY he said. "and am
not going in. say, Tom, let's take anoth.
er drink and then well start. I s'pose the
old woman's watching for me now. Come
boys-let's go-ha! ha! "and the drunken
man recled and fell over the stone steps.
"Yes you are at home," said one Of them
impatiently, who seemed anxious to get out
of the prcdicament, "here's your wife now
asking you to come in. Don't you SEQ herr"
"My wife's fool and don't want to see
her." he said. "She used to take glass Of
wine with me; now she finds fault il she
knows take it away from home"
Annie could hear no more, but suppressing
hesemotion said "You will oblige me, gentle
men, IL you will take my husband to the
parlor." Whereupon they seized him. and
he, being too weak to resist, was soon lodged
upon the sofa. They hastily left, and after
locking tho door, she returned to the parlor
to keep sorrowiul vigil beside him while he
slept, for she could not leave him alone and
she did not wish to call servent.
And was this the fulfilling OF her early
dreams2 Must the pathway in life be dark.
ened by that curse which makes demon Of
him who should be her protector? Alas,
Annie, you did not commence life Alright,
and in bitterness will you lament 1t. But
may Heaven shield you in this great sorrow.
The gray dawn Of morning found her still
beside him, and on awakening he stared va
cantly around and aid,-"why are you here,
Annie?"
al have been watching by you through the
night" she replied, "and are you not aware
how you came herc?"
EYES," said he confusedly, II remember
something about it. The fact is We got q
little high last night and perhaps ! took one
glass too much +; II was foolish, know. but
never mind" he continued, as he saw that
her eyds were filling with tears. "l will not
do so again, akd you must not situp waiting
for me, 1t makes you look 50 much like n
ghost, and Idon't want my wife to lose her
beauty in watching for my return. Wemcn
must have a little pleasure as relaxation
from business he added in u jesting tone."
"Oh, Henry, Henry, she exclaimed show
could help waiting for you2 II 1t were
necessary could go to prison and to death !;
and what will my iathcr say when he hears
Of your situation last night' He has always
been kind to US and we must not bring sor-
row upon him. Promise that you will pass
your evenings at home as when We were first
married. We were very happy then."
al know it," he said sadly, and there
seemed to be an awakening Of the old love In
his heart, "and If you wish Il will promise
not to drink any more. don't think your
father will hear what fool have madc Of
myself, 90 cheer up, Annie, and give mey your
sweetestmiles.
After breakfast he went to his Office, and
she, with oil woman's faith, was happy In
tho assurance he had given her, and went
about her duties with lighter heart than
she had known for many day. Alas, for
the promise Of one who has not strength 10
resist temptation! For few weeks he kept