Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1864-06-03

row. said the boy-it would be a
happy Christmas in spite Of our
poor fate; but l suppose it will be
as it has always been. | could be
so proud of father he cried, almost
passionately.
Ihave beenproud-.-far too proud,
murmured the sad woman, 'but God
knows just how much trial | need
When He sees fit | know He will
either take me home, or give my
husband his right mind again.
There was a silence, broken only
by the steady click of the needle
through the stiff linen. After a few
moments a haggard, unshaven, face
appeared at the doorway. The man
was stretching himself in his usual
lazy fashion. Hiseyes wore a CLASSY,
troubled look-a shame that he had
never felt before changed his face so
much that his wife asked him if he
was i'll.
No, he replied shortly-I'm going
out. Anything in the house for din
ner tomorrow -?
"A little, Thomas--some steak |
saved to-day-but not much
20! dear'-sighed the woman sad
ly, There go the bells-it must be
eleven-and W hen will he come
back? Come Edgar, we can read
and pray. Get the Bible; [ can
truly say it is my only support. The
boy took down the sacred volume
and read, in low soft voice, chap
ter in Matthew. Then quietly the
careworn woman knelt down, com,
mcnding her little household to the
great Father. And the bells rang
out, Ginning old Boylston.
Thomas Clarke, when he left the
house, walked up the street in
strange frame of mind. He passed
the old burying ground, pausing a
moment as he whispered softly, Poor
little babies-how quietly they sleep
there turning down a by-street
and presently stopping before an
old fashioned mansion. He entered
the yard, and gave loud rap with
the knocker. A portly figure dives
ted of coat and slippers, answered
it.
why, Thomas, is that you?' cried
the hearty voice. 4 was just talk
ing about you. Walk right in.
Mr.. Hall, said the man in sub
dued tones, I've been thinking over
that offer [ rejected. You offered
me fifty dollars, this afternoon, if I'd
give up drink, and take situation
in your place. l wasn't grateful
then for your kindness. | felt, that
! couldn't put down this appetite
that RACES within; but if you'll give
me the fifty dollars tomorrow morn
ing, I'll promise to lead a sober life
from this time, and take any situa-
tion you may offer me-
'Ah! that does me good cried
the CHEEKY voice. Come Income
right in. If Ihave Thomas Clarke's
promise that's all l need. Why,
certainly, you shall have the money
now if you want it.
Thomas entered, shabby, unstea-
dy in his gait, for he had gone long
er than usual without his dram, and
Just as he went into the handsome
sitting room, the Christmas bells
pcaled out-Ol that WILDE joyful
DO you hear it ? do you hear that 2
cried the pleasant faced man. 4 tell
you you have done that tonight
that will make the very anglse re-
joice. How happy your wife will
be, poor thing used to think she
was the sweetest girl, and the hand
soonest, | ever saw. But cheer up,
man, cheer up-you're born tonight
into new life-a Christmas birth,
How is the b oy, and how is the
mother p
Both sorowful enough, poor
things he answered bending his head
to his hands.
But they won't be after to-mor-
row. Bless me, [ should like to see
the good wife's face when she finds
it all out. Tom I'll let you into
q secret. When you and were
boys together, fancied Mary Dyer's
face one of the most beautiful | had
ever seen, and | loved her; but when
[ saw which way her heart inclined,
why / set myself resolutely to work
to give her up. Still, although |
found another who has become the
light of my eye, l have never forgot
ten Mary; and that is the reason, of
my respecting and pitying her as L
have, | felt it would be Gods great
est blessing to me if | could prevail
upon you to give up your cups.
Your mind is made up, Tom?
Quite made up, Charlie, if you'll
let me call you by the old name.
And there's one more favor / want
to ask of you. The fact is I'm afraid
to 90 out again. shall feel strong
er tomorrow | know | shall with