The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1868-11-27
would allow its principles to influence her to

to be regular fanatic upon that subject
there is no harm in au occasional indul
gence."
"Auntv," and the delicate mouth quiver ed
while the tones of her voice were hard and
bitter, ''my father committed suicide in a fit
of delrium trehiens, my mother died broken
hearted, and an only brother sleeps in a
drunkards grave Do you wonder at my ia
natcism ?"
"Does John know this ?" inquired.
She drew herself up proudly, and answer
ed
II have no secrets for him.
"And is he willing to Danish wine from
his tablet" continued.
'Quite so and more than that, he has
promised never again to even touch it him.
self"
"Why, JESSIE" I exclaimed, 'is it posi-
BILE that you have made a temperance man OF
him l have so often heard him declare
that no earthly power could induce him
to sign the pledge. You must be magi-
cian."
mot quite, for he has not done that; his
promise was given to me, and the only magi-
clan is Love, she added, softly.
do not know what made me say it. but
the words came unbdden, and were uttered
to keep his word ?"
Then God pity me, for he is father and
mother, brother and sister to me-all that l
have upon earth"
"But, surely, Jessie, you would not give
him up just for that"
A dreary hopeless look filled the brown
eyes, but the lines about her mouth were
firm, and the sweet voice never fulter-
ed as she replied-''IIe must choose for
himself"
said no more. satisfied that words were
useless, and we finished our tour of iuspec-
tion in silence.
The next day found US once more at ''The
Ferns : and in the busy days that followed,
we had neither time nor inclination to touch
upon theme so painful. The wedding day
dawned bright aud beautiful one of those
lovely October days that seems to have stray
ed down to earth from Paradise.
The ceremony was performed in the little
old-fashioned church, and Immediately after
they were to start for Washington.
In compliance with Jessic's wish, very
few invitations had been issued. petition
ed for large party but finally yielded, and
coneoled myself with thoughts Of the grand
reception which would follow their return
for, although | was no longer youngrI dear.
ly loved to see people happy. John came
up the night before and called me into his
room to examine his present to Jessie, an
exquisite pin Of perals, set in frosted gold.
While there, l noticed his dressing-case
open, and in one of the compartments a
travelling flask, Ipicked it up
"What is this, John y
''Brandy," was the laconic answer.
I thnu,rht of TnSria onl INSTANTLY, 1nol-o1
grave. lie noticed it, and continued with a
smile-''It has not been open in five months
for | suppose you know l am under orders
now
Eyes, I know, but why do you keep it
here, if you never use it ~
"Well, the case and contents were a pres
ent and besides, | like to test, my own
strength, by keeping it always within reach
yet never yielding to the temptation, for it
is such, sometimes" be added in lower
tone.
Take care, John" urged. 'Remem
Der that human nature is but frail thing to
trust to, and bow can you pray to be kept
from temptation, yet hoully subject yourself
to such Il trial.
Isn't it worth something to know that l
can resist p
l shook my head doubtfully but said
nothing
Jessie retired to her room early complain
ing of q severe headache and rs | was quite
busy, John decided to ride over to the vii
lage. l charged him with few commits
sions not very important but which he
promised, nevertheless, should be promptly
attended to, and bid him goodnight. l did
not hear him come home, but happening to
be awake at a long time past midnight,
heard him pacing the floor of his room with
quick impatient step.
At first was alarmed, but finally conclud,
ed that he was only little nervous in anti
cipatiOn of coming events. When l went
down stairs in the morning, found him on
the plaza, smoking.
"Good-morning, 1 said, "Did you have a
pleasant ride, and where are my packages ?'
He flung away his cigar, and came to-
ward me, looking pale and haggard, with O
heavy look about his eyes that plainly indi-
Gated sleepless night am sorry, Aunty
quite forgot them, y be began, bat inter
rupted him.
''What is the matter, John Are you
i'll? You look wretchedly."
"Do ?" he said absently. II believe
am feeling quite well.
"You believe !" / repeated. "see how
your hand trembles, you must have been uE
all night. Let me get you something imme-
diately. What will you have %
Nothing, thak you; l dare say l shal
be better after breakfast a cup of coffee viii
steady my nerves" he replied with a little
laugh.
Jessie did not come down to breakfast, aut
as soon as the meal was over, l went up tt
her room. l had sent up tray with coffee
and toast, and was surprised to see it un
touched while Jessie lay on the lounge, pail
and languid She started up, and with ;
fain attempt at laugh, said-'Is it time t.
d 'ess, and have you come to scold me for N.
laziness ?"
"You have time enough, dear I; but hov
is this-no breakfast 2"
"Oh am not hungry this morning-in
deed, " she said, after a pause, II do no
know why 1T is, but feel so strangely, as i
something terrible was about to happen
were it all inclined to be superstious,l shoul'
call it presentiment
"Nonsense. interrupted "What ter
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