Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1869-05-06
THE DRUNKARD'S WIFE.
By A MEMBER, !. o. C. T.

Many years ago IN the town OF NJ
dwelt two families, who lived within q
few rods OF each other. Brown was the
name of one, and Devere the name of the
other. The former haO daughter, whose
maine was Alice. She was bright-eycd,
beautiful giIl, of nineteen summers. Tho
Deveres had an only son, William. He
was somewhat good-looking; but in the
eyes of Alice, he was perfect Apollo.
''Love is blind, they say, and it certain>
~ was in this case, for never were a coup
ie OF human beings more obiyious 10 each
others irnperfections. These young folks
were engaged 10 bc married. Mr.. Brown
being very wealthy, wished his daughter
to marry some enc in her own sphere OF
'ie, one not so wild and reckless, as young
Devere was reported 10 be. Alice hao
project confidence in him, and would not
give him up. SO at last her father gave a
reluctant consent. The wedding was an
nounced 10 take place in month. The
day arrived, and ajoyous one ii was. The
bride was sadiartly lovely, The bridegroom
very proud of his beautiful bride. The
''old folks as happy as old folks could be
under The circumstances. Tie guests
were more than satisfied. In fact 1t was
Ihe most brilliant wedding that bad ever
taken place in N.
The young couple started on their we'd
ding trip. In the mean time the father of
the bride bought and furnished beautiful
home in the city Of New York. At the
expiration OF three weeks, the couple re.
turned to the home OF their youth To spend
few days with their parents before set
tliDg down in their own home. The few
days swiftly passed, and bidding adieu to
their numerous friends, once more started
oil.
Five years have passed. Five years
ago Alice left her fathers home happy
bride with the man of her choice. Little
did she think. what was in store for her.
One Child blessed their union. Some
thought she Was happy, and epvied her lot
y How could she be. Every thing was
going; money, house. jewels; and lor what.
For that demon drink. He, her husband
is on the road TO ruin.
Sixteen years have passehand We look
at them again. Her parents have gone to
thai better world, where sorrow is known
no more. Her husband is seldom found
sober; in fIct he will soon ill drunsard's
grave. But still she lives in hopes, and
cIings ~ him she loves, and is willing 10
share both shame and poverty. and thinks
.he day VIII coihc when he will be a rc>
formed man. y: woman. how different
art thou 10 man; left like flower that has
lost ills petals 10 wither and die. and con>
demned by AL for one false step. Is this |
like a Christian? To turn frol those we
have loved, for one fault? No my dear
reader, take them by the hand and lead |
them In the right path again, and the day |
will come when you will receive your re-
ward
Nineteen years have now passed. What
u change has taken place Tor the worse
In dingy room up many flights OF stairs
On cold December night u woman si,s
sewing, the mos foliOrn looking object
ones eyes could resi- upon; this, deaI fea>
dcr iS A.icc, who, nineteen years ago, was
a happy bride, surrounded by wealth and
luxury. Look at her To day. Nineteen
} ears nave made sad change. Her hus
band IS now dead. She aud her boy arc
alone, he is growing toward manhood, and
inheiIls all his fathers bad habits. higlIt
after night when others lse sound asleep
that mother woula DE worA.ng hard and
last, to keep them from starving, while
tears would roll down her aged cheeks
~ llie, was beaulilul boy, with a tine
noble face, and might have been the pride
ot his moller, and an ornament 10 society
he was going home one night very much
under the influence of iiqaos. when he
and ieil. lie was trying to rise,
when SOFT hand was laid on his shoulder
and sweet voice said; Willie, let me help ,
you up, aud take yoa home. Willie RAISED
his eyes 10 the face Of the speaker and
recognized at once Nellie Gray. Nellie {
he said, you are too good for me, the night l