The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1867-06-20
THE TWO PARTINGS.

$50 Arch street, Philadelphia.-E
On winter evening, many years ago,
fair young girl stood before the
glass in her own pleasant little room,
giving the last touches on her toilet
That night was the first party of the sea-
son, and, perhaps, Emma might be ex-
cused if she fingered little longer than
usual, smoothing once again her dark
brown hair, and adjusting the soft folds
of her beautiful dress.
Come, Emma" called her mother at
length; " am afraid you forget that
Mr.. b. is waiting for you"
No; Emma had not forgotten, as. the
rosy blush that stole across her cheek tes-
tilted. Her last thought as she stood
smiling at her reflections in the glass
had been: 4" This is the color which he
likes, | am sure he will be pleased"
Quickly she hurried down stairs, and
after playfulIy excusing her delay, while
the flush deepened at Mr.. BIS evil
dent admiration, turned to her mother
saying, l believe am ready at last"
"Take good care of yourself, darling" f"
said her mother, as she wrapped warm
shawl around the slender form, " and
don't stay very late"
Their destination was soon reached,
and as the young man moved through the
brilliantly lighted room many glance of
admiration was cast at his companion,
and more than one of his friepds whis-
pered, flames is lucky fellow; I'd
give good deal to monopolize Miss EN-
ma as he does"
The evening sped joyously on, and at
its close, refreshments were handed
around. Mr. B was standing little
apart from Emma, who was the centre of
laughing group of young girls, when
the lady of the house with a smile, offered
him. glass of wine.
" No, l thank you, do not drink it, !"
was the reply.
" Pshawl what nonsense" she return
ed. 4" No one has refused it this even
ing, and | don't intend to allow you to be
the first. Come, just take one glass; it
can't hurt any one"
" L cannot do it," he answered gravely,
for | have determined never to taste a
drop"
" "Come here, Emma" called the lady,
want you to coax this obstinate young
man to take a glass of wine. know he
will not refuse you"
Emma took the glass in her little white
hand and with a smile which few could
have resisted, said, Come James, you
will just take this Que glass 2"
~ 1 Al
powerful effort, /" l have made up my
mind, and you must not ask me to change
it."
Then you shall not accompany me
home tonight, Mr.. B" said Emma,
with an angry flash of her dark eye, "now
take your choice"
+" | must bid you goodbye, then, En-
ma, if it comes to that" he said sorrow
fully. would gladly do anything else
for you, but that cannot do" So saying
he bowed and turned away.
Never mind, Emma, I'll see you
home" said young man standing near,
whose flushed face betokened that he had
taken more than one glass.
Let him 90, the ill-natured fellow"
So saying he offered his arm which EN-
ma accepted, and they moved off together.
More than ten years had passed away.
Mr.. B was married and established
in prosperous business, and by degrees
the incidents of his parting with Emma
were almost forgotten.
One day man with whom he was
slightly acquainted came into his store,
and asked for employment.
81 am afraid L can't give it to you,
Norris" was the answer. make it a
rule never to have any one in my employ
who is Incorporate"
But | mean to stop all that, Mr..
B." said the man earnestly. "I
have made up mind to quit drinking en-
sirely. It's rather hard not to give man
/ chance when he wants to reform"
Well" said Mr.. B, partially re-
enting, :" will try you, come into the
back part of the store, and will give you
some work"
A bundle was soon made up with which
Norris departed. Several days elapsed,
md the work not being returned, Mr.
b sent to his residence to ask the
reason.
A las it was the same old tale of sor-
-ow The husband and father had gone
IN drinking frolic, leaving sick wife
md three starving children.
Mr.. BIS generous heart prompted
aim to 60 to their relief at once. lie en-
cred the miserable dwelling, and found
he sick woman lying in room almost
pare of furniture; while the children sit
ing on the floor by the bedside, were
,rying for bread. a few kind words, a
promise of something to eat, soon dried
Up the tears; and Fastening to the gro
.ery he returned with an ample supply,
which he broke among the famished
While he stood smiling at their delight
he mother burst into tears and exclaim