The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1870-02-15
\ strong Temptation.

A young man, or rather boy, for he
was not seventeen years Of age, was a
clerk in one Of the great mercantile es-
adjustments of New York. An orphan
and poor, he must rise, if he rose at ALL
by his own excrtions. His handsome
honest face, and free, cordial manner. won
for him the friendship of all his fellow
laborers, and many were the invitations
he received to Join them in the club-room
in the theatre and even the bar-room
But Alfred Harris had the pure teachings
Of Christian mother to Withhold him
from rushing headlong into dissipation
and vice, and all the pcrsuasions of his
comrades could not induce him to Join
them in scenes like this. He feared the
consequences.
One evening, one Of the fellow clerks,
George Warren, the most high-toned and
moral one among them, invited Alfred to
60 home with him to supper and make
the acquaintance of his family. The BOY
gladly assented for he spent many lonely
evenings, with only his books and his
thoughts for company.
He found his friends family very social
and entertaining. Mrs. Warren, he mother
was pleasant, winning, | might almost
say, fascinating woman; one of the kind
whose every little speech seems of con-
sequence, and whose every act praise
worthy. Mr.. Warren was a CHEEKY, So
cial gentleman, fond of telling stories, and
amusing young people. And Georges
sister Jcssie---how shall describe her
A girl about Alfreds own age, half
bashful, half.saucy, dimpled-faced, and
rosy-cheeked maiden, sparkling with wit
and pleasantly, and pretty enough for
any young man to fall in love with at
first sight.
This was Mr.. Warren's family, and il
was no wonder that Alfred was charmed
with them. They were not very wealthy
people, but were in easy circumstances
and on promising road to fortune
Alfred very soon felt acquainted with
them all as if he had known them ior
years. The supper was delicious, especi.
ally to ii boy whose salary could afford
him only the plainest living.
After supper wine was brought. Mrs
Warren poured it out herself, and with II
winning smile passed glass of the spark
ling fluid to their guest Alfred took il
with some hesitation, but did not raise il
to his lips Each Of the family held 4
glass, waiting to pledge their visitor
But Alfred feared to drink He set the
goblet on the table, while burning blusl
oyerspread his face
What do you not drink wine - aske,
Mrs. Warren, in pleasant tones.
II have been taught not to drink it,
said Alfred.
"You have had good teaching, | doub
not,' said the lady, land honor you fo
respecting it, but think ii makes diff
ference where, and in what company yo,
take it, should not be willing to hay,
George 90 into barroom company will
disipated young men, and call for wine
but at home, in the family circle, it i
different. \ moderate use Of wine neve
hurts any one. 1t is only when carrie'
to excess that it is injurious. You ha'
better drink yours, so little as that vii
never hurt you"
Jessie was sitting by Alfred, Sh
took mp the glass he had set upon til
, table and gave it to him with charmin
! smile.
f Again he took the goblet in his hanC
The glowing wine was tempting, but tn
| faces around him were more temptin
/ still. He raisel it toward his lips. Bu
/ at that moment there rose up before hin
pale, sweet IA e, with pleading eyes,th
, face of his mother in heaven. The bo
laid down the glass with firm hand ,an
with firm tones he said
81 cannot drink it, II was my sotl
/ er's dying request that | should neve
, taste of wine, aud if | disregard it now,
: fear greater temptation will follow Yo
must pardon my seeming discourtesy, bu
= cannot drink il"
{ A silence fell upon the circle Non
spoke for several minutes.