Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1864-12-01

| oU, SIT, L tHOuSlb l. Nou'u FiibS l'u ~
terms. Rccollcct you have said "on your
honor shall hold you to your promise, ;
And she came around and seated herself on
his knee very dcmurely indeed, after the man
ner of petted young wives when they have
just gained a point
"You saucy little puss, how dare You
And just see how you've scratched my face! !!
Shall kiss it and make it well p she
asked, playfully. And then, while her face
Grew earnest in its pleading expression, she
added.
"Oh, Charlie, you do not know Row anx-
ious have felt about this party ever since VIC
, decided to go. They always have sucha gay
tine at Uncle Logan's. And you know, dear
though you would not do a wrong thing your
| self, how easy it is for your companions to
make make you 60 too far, because you SIC such Il
dear good natured case. But now that you
have promised me, feel quite easy. And,
dear Don't forget when the bo-s begin to
get too gay come up stairs to mc and baby"
And he promised.
u. Going out to an evening party at Uncle
Logans was no smar tfri,f', Considering it
was good five miles ride from Glendale, ont
into the country, over rough roads with Maple
Creek swollen BY resent Tains, and flowing
wild and dark within its bainks-to be crossed
So it was still early of a clear, frosty evening,
when, Virgie came out equipped for the ride.
" Here, Hester, hold the baby. Now
Charlie"
And giving him her hand she placed her
foot IN his other, and sprang lightly into the
! saddle.
"Now give him TO me.
The idea of such mothcr-bird as N'irgie
going away five miles to spend the evening
and leaving her Baby, would htte been pro-
nounccd an insanity. if any one had been
absurd enough to propose it to her.
"Dcaf little fellow, how fright he looks y
she said, fondly Pulling down one corner of
the shawl. Look, Charlie !"
And the little one gave soft coo, in answer
to papa's merry chirrup, as he looked into the
huge bundle of shawls, and patted the tiny,
rosy face, just pceping out of its snug en-
closure. .....
Then. after mamma had given her parting
directions to Hcstcr-promotcd to be House
keeper ~ missus' absence--they started off,
the light, crisp snow cracking under the feet
of their horses.
"Gve Charlie to me, Virgie," her husband
said when they reached the creek and reigncd
in their horses upon its bank.
Keep close to htc,' fe added, and Got
another word was spoken until they had
+ achcd the opl osite bank for the fording Of
the creek, in its present condition was a
difficult almost taiaanng,ssfoHs undertaking.
Il do hope the moon will be UP When we
come" yirgic said. Then added. anxiously.
as shc ssain deposited the chlld in her arms.
1.-The creek is deeper than thought; rnd
really II tohld bS dangerous to Cross in the
dark"
Iights were gliminering from the Windows
as the rode up to Uncle Logan's gates; ana
the number of horses ard vehicles already
congrcgstG5d around showed that the invited
guests of the Christmas eve party were already
beginning to drop in. Aunt Lizzie came out
to the doot to p,ect them, and took the babe
from vifgie's poor, tired arms.
Remember, Charlie" she said imploring-
ly laying her head upon his shoulder as they
were on the point of separating. She for
Aunt Lizzie's comfortable room above stairs
he, for the society of his boon. companions
Never fear for mo !" and he went gayly
away.
Alas for the promise made to the fond,
creduous wife, sittius up stairs in the quiet
matronly circle with her babe on her knee, so
Proud and happy-for II was her first child.
And what Sothg mother failed to appreciate
the dignity of hef position at such time.
In less than half an hour, Charles Gale
had forgotten His promise. wife, chilp every
thing, and again and again his glass was filled,
and his voice raised in riotous chorus with the
loudest.
The night wancd, and the guests began to
disperse. Virgio sht in the dressing room all
feady for the ride, holding in her lap what
seemed to te 4 bhge bundle of blankets and
shawls, but which was in reality little Charlie,
who curlcd up in his warm fest fast asleep,
with one little fat thumb in Ills mouth.
II wondcf what makes Charlie SO late p
she said, at last, impatiently. Aunt Lizzie,
will soti please seud for him, aud say I'm
wsitingf'
tfo same 1T length. But the frst words he
spoke told het all. She knew at one that he
Was Intoxicated, though to others only sery
slight excitement was all that appeared un-
usual about him.
/ Oh! the shame She hardly dared to sp,ah
to him: MI ilSr thoughts was to get him Way
before he betrayed his condition to other eyes
"Givc ME tile cLild," Ne said.
And as she did SO, she felt that his arm was
unsteady.
| och dare no. trnst the baby with him,
was i,eef tfhioHgHt, bit She remained silent.
| She could not bear thtl those around should
know the notifying truth.
q = NJ, ,a..;eb ,oy xvould et,x. III piUbf Vir.