Litchfield enquirer., 1863-05-07


 my saying, under this very roof, more than year ago, that was sartin the Lord would bring Harry back to us ;and haven't my words come true P
 He leaned forward and kisssdi away the tear that sparkled like solitary diamond on his wife's withered cheek for, somehow, the sight of the young peoples happiness brought back his own honeymoon days.
 And Trad Curtis remains bachelor still.
 Seven Up.
 In pleasant farm house, one wintrE eve after supper and hard days work at thresh- ing, Samuel Grey rose from his chair with q sad, weary look, and stood before the drawer of an old bureau.
 Samuel, what is thee doing r said ,his moth CT, following him. Thee is not going out to- night, when so tired?'
 Yes, mother, he replied, taking up with . sigh, small calico bag which seemed well filled.
 Why, that is the m ortgage money, Samuel i; what dees thee want with that? It is not due till next spring
 i. know it, mother; but I must have this money this night, he answered in determined tone.
 For what, my son? Thee has always told me everything. We earned the money to. gether.'
 'Iknow it, mother. All these years We have toiled to pay off that mortgage left on thefarm at my fathers death, and now it has all come to nothing. Sit down in your chair, mother, and will tell you the truth, as trust I have ever done. do not fear your blame, as have always loved your praise. This one sgrsgious error has taught me great lessons already. They say women can bear trouble better than men,
 Samuel's mother trembled very much, but she sat quietly down. Her face was pleasant to look at-healthy and fresh, with clean Quaker cap crimped about it. Shs could not believe her son had done any thing so very wrong but all was g mystery.
 Last evening you know how late staid away; and l presume you thought was with Ellen at the farm; but was not more is the pity. went on an errand to the tavern te get some oil for our lame horses leg. The bar-room was blaze of light, and all the boys there, and stepped in to warm. There were two finely dressed gentlemen from Boston sit ting around the table, calling for the best of port wine, and treating the company. They called me to join so cordially that consented. and felt rested with the good fire and exhilira- ting glass. Soon one of the strangers brought out pack of cards, and played with Joe Iampson and Jim White. sat and smoked in one coruer, and did not take much notice oi the game. They played for cigars and wine, aad then for money, and the game was Seven Up.' Now, wh.n I was bey, used to have an excellent run of luck at cards, and beat ev- cry body; and suppose I was elated at my reputation for when Joe Lampson said, have won two hundred dollars I was aston ished, especially when the strangers paid t over as quick and easy as they would brush of . fly. thought, if dull Joe has won 50 quick ly such sum, why may not I, who am 50 lucky at cards? They urged me to take a hand: and the sight of the new bills on the hsAaants' Exchange Bank 50 wou upon my be tier understanding, that. drew right up to the table. l thought only of winning I nev- CT thought of losing. We played and won, and played and lost, and lost. Ohl mother, I lost all this money as quick as . flash and they tauntsd me that could not pay but must pay it, or have my honor lost before the whole village. I know how wrong it was, but if hard work will make it up to you, you shall never want Here Sam broke down and cried like child. z; abss
 Thee is welcome to take the money, Sam, said his mother, quietly. wish thee would promise never. to touch card again. Dear mother, I solemuly- sNo Sam! no oaths. Remember thee. will be tempted this very night to try and win back [ this very money.
 No, I have seen too many winks pass be, tween these two men. They are gamblers, who have come down to impose upon us tgreen- horns in the country. When I think of how many hard days work I have performed, and how many chickens and eggs you have raised to sell, all for one good object, and that my cursed folly has ruined all, I am ready to de spair.'
 .Ishall not live long to want money. Sam only thought of thee and Ellen, who t soon to become thy wife, Samuel groaned, and left the house with heavy heart. He knew by the twinkling light across the fields that Ellen sat watching for his visit. but he sped on toward the village. until, stamping the snow from his shoes, he entered once more the + ->:. sn a xr:vako nar1nr ho fnssud