Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1867-04-16
Moral and Religious.
The Two Partings.

The Two Partings.
The following is a tale from real life. The
National Baptist from which it is copied, states
that the incidents can be verified at the Of
flee of a gentleman, at $50, Arch street, Phila-
delphia. Eds.
On winter evening, many years ago, fair
young girl stood before the glass in her own
pleasant little room, giving the last touches to
her toilet That night was the first party of the
season, and, perhaps, Emma might be excused
if she fingered little longerthan usual, smooth
ing once again her dark brown hair, and adjust
ing the soft folds of her beautiful dress.
Come Emma" called her mother at length;
Il 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 testified. Her
last thought, as she stood smiling at her refec-
ton in the glass had been, This is the color
which he likes am sure he will be pleased.
Quickly she hurried down stairs, and after
playfully excusing her delay, while the flush
deepened at Mr.-'s evident admiration,
turned to her mother saying, Il believe l am
ready at last.
Take good care of yourself, darling" said
her mother, as she wrapped warm shawl
around the slender form, land don't stay very
late"
Their destination was soon reached, and as
lighted room, many glance of admiration YVES
cast at his companion, and more than one of his
friends whispered, James is ? lucky fellow;
Id give good deal to monopolize Miss Emma
as he does"
The evening sped joyously on, and at length
towards it's close, refreshments were handed
around. MIR. B-was standing little apart
from Emma, who was the centre of laughing
group of young girls, when the lady of the house,
with smile, offered him glass of wine.
mo, | thank you [ do not drink it, was the
reply.
'Pshaw what nonsense" she returned No
one has refused it this evening, and | don't
| intend to allow you to be the first. Come, just
take one glass; it can't hurt any one"
Il cannot do it, he answered gravely, for
| have determined never to taste drop"
Come here, Emma called the lately, II
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 smile which few could have resisted
said, come James, you will take just this one
giass?'
mo Emma,' he answered, with powerful
effort. Il have made up my mind, and you
must not ask me to change it.
Then you shall not accompany me home to-
night, Mr.. B. SAID Emma with an
angry flash Of her dark eye, ''now take your
choice.
Il must bid you good bye then Emma, if it
comes to that" he said sorrowfully. Il would
gladly do anything else for you, but that [ can
not 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 go, the ill-natured fellow
So saying, he offered his arm, which Emma
accepted, and they moved off together.
More than ten years had passed away. MIR.
B-was married and established in a pros
porous 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.
Il am afraid, I can't give it to you. Norris,
was the answer. Il make it rule never to
have any one in my employ who is intemperate.
| But [ mean to stop all that, Mr.. B.
said the man earnestly. Il have made up my
mind to quit drinking entirely. It's rather hard
not to give man chance when he wants to
| reform.
WELL said Mr.. B, partially relent-
ing Il will try you, come into the back part of
the store, and L will give you some work"
| A bundle was soon made up, with which Nor
ris departed Several days elapsed; and the
work not being returned, Mr.. B--sent to
his residence to ask the reason.
Alas it was the same old tale ofsorrow. The
husband and father had gone on drinking
frolic, leaving a sick wife and three starving
children.
Mr.. BIS generous heart prompted him
to go to their relief at once. He entered the
miserable DWELLING and found the sick woman
| lying in room almost bare OF furniture while
the children sitting on the floor by the bedside,
were crying for bread. A few kind words and
a promise of something to eat, soon dried up
their tears; and Fastening to the grocery, he
returned with an ample supply, which he
broke among the famishing children.
''While he stood smiling at their delight, the
mother burst into tears, and exclaimed, "Oh,
| Mn, can you forgive me?
''What do you mean?'' he asked In astonish-
ment.
Don't you remember Emma r? Don't
you remember my offering you the wine at the
party, and your refusing it? God knows, wish
could forget it; but it seems as if were brand
cd on my heart In letters of fire. ;"
| 1t was some moments before Mr.. B
could realize that the miserable creature before
him was indeed the bright, fascinating girl from
whom he had parted so many years before -
/ Poor Emma how you must have suffered, !"
| he said mpassOnately.
But do you forgive me p she asked anxious
ly
Certainly, say no more about it. You must
not stay in this wretched place. Is your mother
! iiving?"
Yes sir in the country
Would you lot like to go back to her with
the children?''
eyes, sir" she answered sadly but | have
no means"
''Do not trouble yourself, said Mr. B;
''as soon as you are sufficiently recovered, will
take care of that part OF tae undertaking. Let
me know if there is anything else | can do for
you. No thanks, he added hastily as the poor
woman commenced grateful acknowledgment
good bye
This was the second parting.
Young ladies, you who are accustomed to
press your gentlemen friends to partake Divine,