Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1867-07-02
THE HERALD.
THE TWO PARTIN Gs.

warning 10 those VINO place the ln-
toxicating cup to the lips Of others or
to their own;
One winter evening, many years
ago, fair young girl stood before
the glass in her own pleasant little
room giving tho last touches to her
toilet. That night was the first par
ty 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 bcauti
full dress.
"Como, Emma" called her mother,
at length, II am afraid that You for
get that Mr., BIS waiting foryou."
No, Emma had not forgotten, as the
rosy flush that stole across her check
testified. Her last thought, rs she
stood smiling at her reflection 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 playlully cxcusing her de-
lay, while the flush decpened at lIr.
BIS evident admiration, she turned
to her mother, saying, II believe /
am ready at last"
"Talle good caro- of yourself, darl-
ling" said the mother, as she wrapped
q warm shawl around the slender
form "and don't stay very late"
Their destination was soon reach
ed, and as tho young man moved
through the brilliantly lighted room,
many glance Of admiration was cast
ut his companion, and moro than one
Of his friends whispered, "Jamcs is a
lucky fellow I'd give good deal to
be ablc to monopolizc miss Emma as
he does"
The evening sped joyously on. and
at length, toward its close, rol'resb~
ments we're handed around. SIR.
was standing u little apart from
Emma, who was The centre Of u laugh
ing crowd Of girls, when the lady Of
the honsc, With smile, offered him
a glass of wine.
No, thank you, don't drink it, !"
was his reply,
"Pshaw what nonsense" She re-
turned
"No one has refused it this evening,
and don't intend 20 allow you to be
one. Come, just one glass, it can't
hurt any one"
81 can't do it, ;" he answered grave
ly, "for have determined never to
touch drop"
"Comc here, Emma Called the
lady. 81 want you to coax this obsti.
nate young man to take little wine
know he will not refuse YOU"
Emma took the glass in her little
white hand, and with smile that
few could have resisted, said, Come,
James, you will take just this one
glass 2"
"No, Emma" he answered with a
painful effort. 81 have made up my
mind, and you must not ask mo to
change it,"
"Thon you shall not accompany
me home tonight, Mr." said En-
ma, with ali angry flash Of her dark
eye "now take your choice"
| must bid You good bye, then,
Emma, if it comes to that" he said
sorrowfuIIy; 81 would gladly do
any thing else for you, but that |
cannot do" SO saying, he bowed
ond turned away.
"Nevcr mind, Emma, III see you
home" said young man standing
near, whose flushed face botokencd
that he had taken moro than one
glass. Let him 60, the i'll manner
cd follow, who carcsr
So saying, he offered his arm which
l1mmma accepted, and they moved
off together.
More than ten years had passed
away. Mr.. B.-was married and
established in a prosperous business,
and by degrees the Incidents Of his
parting with Emma were almost for
| gotten.
One day man with whom he was
slightly acquainted, came into his
store and asked for employment
II am afrail ! can't give it to you,
Norris, was the answer, 81 make it
a rule never to take any one into my
employ who is incorporate"
But | mean to stop all that, Mr..
B" said the man earnestly. II
have made up my mind to quit drinks
ing entirely. It's rather hard not 10
give a man chance when he wants
TO reform
"Wcll, sand Sir. b, partially re
Iontiag, viii Try you. Come into
tho back part Of the store, and will
give yon some work"
a bundlc was soon made up. with
which Norris departed. Several
days elapsed, and the work not nav
ing been returned, Mr.. B-scnt to
his residence to ask the reason.
Alas !! it was tho old tale Of sorrow
Tho husband and father had gone on
q drunken frolic, leaving q sick wife
and three starving children.
Mr.. BIS generous heart prompted
him to go TO their relief ct once. lie
entered the miserable dwelling, and
found the sick woman lying in q
room bare of furniture, while the
children sitting by the bedside, were
crying for bread.
A few kind words and promise OF
something to eat, soon dried their
tears and Fastening to the grocery
he returned with an ample supply,
which he broke among the furnishing
children.
While he stood smiling at their de-
light, the mother burst into tears, and
exclaimed, go, Mr.. B, can't you
forgive me ?"
"Don't you remember Emma T
? Don't You remember my Off
ering you the wine at the party and
you refusing it? God knows | wish
! could forget it, but it seems as if it
were branded on my heart in letters
Of fire."