The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1867-02-01
The T,UO PartingS.

Ialr young Girl StOou before the glass IN
her own little room, giving the last touch
es to her toilet. That night was the first
party of the season, and perhaps Emma
might be excused if she fingered a 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
leugth, II am afraid you forgot that Mr..
BIS waiting for you
/ No, Emma had not forgotten, as the
rosy flush that stole across her cheek tesli-
fled. Her last thoughts, as she stood
smiling at her reflection in the glass, had
been, ''lhis is the color which lie likes
am sure he will be pleased
! Quickly she hurried down stairs, and
after playfully excusing her delay, while
the flush deepened at Mr.. BIS evident
admiration, turned to her mother, saying
Il believe | am ready at last
"Take good care of yourself, darling"
said the mother, as she wrapped !. warm
shawl around the slender form. land don't
stay very late"
Their destination was soon reached, and
rs the young man moved through the bril-
liantly lighted room, many a glance af ad-
miration was cast at his companion. and
more than one OF his friends whispered,
'James is a lucky fellow Id give a good
deal 10 be able 10 monopolizl Miss Emma
as he does
The evening sped joyou>ly on, and at
length, toward It's close. refreshments
were handed around. Mr. B WIS
standing a little apart from Emma, who
WAS the centre of laughing group of
young girls, when the lady OF the house.
with Il smile, offered him a glass of wine
"No, thank you: | do not drink it,
was his reply.
"P>haw what nonsense" she return-
ed ..No one has refused it this evening.
and don't intend to allow you TO bc the
first. Come. just one glass, it can't hurt
any one"
Il cannot do IT," he answered, gravely.
''ior | have determined never 10 taste Il
drop"
Come here, Emma." called the lady.
Il want you 10 coax this obstinate young
man to take little wine. | know he will
not refuse vou."
Emma took :he glass in her little white
hand, and with smile which few could
have resisted, said: Come. james. vcu
will take just this one glass p
NO. Emma" he answered with PAIN
tul effort. Il have made up my mind.
and you must not ask me 10 change it
"Then you shall not accompany me
home tonight, Mr., b" said Emma.
with on angry flash of her d;,rk exc {;
''now take your choice
Il must bid You GOOD bye. then, Emma.
ii it comes TO that he sail sorrowiully {,
Il would gladly do anything else Tor you.
but that cannot do" 50 saving, he
, bowed and turned AWAY
Never mind. Emma. Ill see YOU
homc," said Il Young man standing near.
whose flushed face bctokcned that Inc had
taken more than one glass. "Let him
30. the iIl-mannered fellow: who cares -
So saving, he Offered his arm. which
Emma accepted, and they moved off TO-
gethcr.
More than ten years had passed away.
Mr.. B was married and established
i'll prosperous business, and 10y 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 | can't give it 10 You,
Morris" was the answer. Il make it n
rule never TO have any one i'll M employ
who is intcmperate-"
'But-l mean to stop all that, Mr. t., -
said the man earnestly. IL have made
up my mind TO quit drinking entirely. Its
rather hard not 10 give 4 luan 4 chance
when he wants 10 reform
"Wcll," sail Mr.. H., partially relent
ing, 81 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, and the work no; being returned,
Mr.. B. sent to his residence TO ask the
reason.
Alas . ii was the same old tale of sor-
row. The husband and father had gone
ION drinking frolic, leaving Il sick wife
and three starving children.
Mr.. B.'s generous heart prompted him
to 90 to their relief at once. lie entered
the miserable dwelling, and found the
sick woman lying in room almost bar,
of furniture, while the children, sitting OH
the floor by the bedside, were crying fol
bread.
I A few kind words, and promise o
something TO eat, soon dried their fears
and hasiening to the grocery, he returned
with an ample supply. which he brok,
among the furnishing children.
Whlle he stood smiling at their delight,
the mother burst into tears and exclaimed
20, Mr.. H., can You forgive me =
;; "What do YOU mean = he asked in as.
tonishmemt.
"Don't you remember Emma F.2 Dom
you remember my offering you the lin,
at the party. and your refusing it ! Goo
: knows how l wish could forget it, but il
seems as If it were branded On Dy heart il
letters Cf fire.
1t was some moments before Mr.. l.
) could realize that the miserable creatur,