The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1863-11-25

o. which We as & nation declared ourselves inde
pendent To-day We Dust all be jaollant, vic
toriousl We must not nope 10 the house-se
must rice or sail Somewhere n q grand fan iy
excursion, and breath the sm.bine and the glo
rious air of Freedom. eh."
Kitty dld Tot even turn her head; but con
Iinued TO spesk as l strode up aud down the
apartment.
=" Do YOU not enter into the spirit Of the day
child? Read your history-read Of George
Washington, and the glorious men who suffered
and died hat We might be free-FtEE!" re
peated. seating myself, aud bringing my fist
down with emphasis upon the arm Of the chair
Yes, We must al eel braie this day and now,
Kitty. no not be afraid tel; me where you would
like to 20, or how we shall best erjoy Il
b. this lime Kitty s face seemed tAirS glued
to the windo~. vas seriously displessed. in,
saltedl l. who had ever enforced respect as the
first doctrine of the no seholi, and here was
open defiance in the less, expected quarter and
that too, after had unbent myself in al unusual
degree
Katharine Z" exclaimed in a terrible voice
sEurdily thrustiug back unpleasant memories oi
the past night, what 60 you mean BY this con
dUct?"
She turned; her lips were white and her eyes
we're Swimming with Tears. IL a moment she
was beside me, her hand upon nv shoG der
"Fa'her," aid she, looking me full in the
face, g do you mean what you say when ' ou ask
me n whas manner | would Nlsh u celebrate
this glorious Independence Day 3
&" Certaluly, my child, | answered turng un-
comfortably il nv seat aud stliving to look pa
triarchal and Indifferent.
Then father dear father" cried Kitty, wind
ng her arms about Iny neck, d" make this truly
an Independence Day for yourself, for as all.
Be slave 10 more, but DC TAEE in Ihe sight oi
God aid your own soul"
Where was ali my paternsl dignity Low I
KITS vas soboiug upon my bosom AID from
my bowed face tears were falling upon her gol.
den hair.
" Do, father, do" she pleaded. 1T is not
100 late, We all love yet I; and mothers heart is
b b'eaking-"
Even then, as l strained Kitty 10 my bosom
taat mother entered the room. Not ord was
spoken, YET she understood all, and Cast herself
on he knees beside NE, looking earnestly into
my eyes
John, said she, al have never reproached
yon-~ll YOU promisef
Yes = | cried, folding MY darlings TO my
heart Ia close embrace, " before God, and 70
you, my wife and child, / promise what you
wish"
Never 20 drink vine any more ?" cried Kit
ly, holding my face between her hands, and a
joyous light spark ing through her tears.
"Neverg" echoed my wife, caspiHg ny hand
in hers.
Nsver," answered with Gods help |
will never taste wine nor strong liquor of any
kind again. From this hour | shall be free
Oh, Mary, can you forgive me for the psst!"
She dc not reply, but she leaned aud kissed
me in way THAI made my resolution iron.
just then the children, dear, Unconscious
little ones bounded into the room
- Hurrah, iatherl" they shouted Hurrah
for lhe Fourth Of Jaly Hi! Amt We having
grand time though?"
Hurrah," I responded huskily, kissing each
Of the crazy little creatures in turn. And
now let Us hasten 10 our breakfast, for We must
nave a jolly time to-day :"
Indeed we shalt" laughed my wife, as she
hustled about, with color in her cheeks, aud the
old, girisn light kind,ed in her eve; indeed
We shall. Why, John, never felG so happy IL
my lie :"
All this happened some years ago Time has
done many queer things in our family since then.
He has put the baby In panta.oons carried our
oldest boy 10 college; married K.tty 10 a thIiV
ing young lawyer; woven little silver threads in
Mary's hair and mine and better than all, has
never brought Us one unhappy anniversary of
NY blessed independence Day