Weekly Trinity journal., 1870-01-08

intended to end my moral career. 1t makes me
shudder to think of it, and if my pen fails to
strictly portray what followed, blame me not.
Once, alone, when thought was unpreceived
determined to carry out my suicidal design.
Before me ran the river, and crazed fairly with
the thought of release from life and its mserieS
and with prayer to God for the protection of
my soul, | plunged in. | heard Il shout-a
splash in the water near me-telt something
grasp me ; the waters seemed to close over me-
and their angry roar drowned all other sounds
and then all was dark all seemed II blank, and
knew no more.
"Thank God he lives -
These were the first words that greeted my
ears on returning to consciousness. | looked
about me in utter bewilderment. There, kneel-
ing by my bedside, was Emile Blake, and negr
her, with his arms compacently folded, was her
brother, my best friend - Harold All came
back TO me then with great diStinctness-all my
shame and dsgrace-and | buried my face in
my hands that they might not look upon one
who had wrought them so much wrong.
''Can you forgive me p asked. Would to
God had died here, rather than to have looked
upon your kind face again., who never de-
served thought care from you. Why did
you not leave me to my tatef
attempted to rise, but was laid gepty back
upon my pillow and then the clear, rich tones
OF Emlle y VOICE lell upon my eur
{" BE calm, she said. "All is forgiven and
forgotten. Live, Eugene-for my sake-aud lead
n nobled and better life'
Was it impulse that prompted me to snatch
her hand and kiss it2 do not know but GER
tainly it was from the love | bore her in my
heart, that holding still her hand in both of
mine, looked up into the face bending over me-
and asked
"Aud may hope, Emile, that you will aid
mi in that cn II will walk
with me in the pathway of that life p
" Eugene" she said, al promise, and God
help us both to walk Alright"
"Amen ~ responded Il deep, manly voice, and
Harold, who | had forgotten was III the room,
came forward now, and said
"God bless you both May he grant every
blessing, all happiness, and if does come,
help you and give you strength to Dear it's my
most earnest prayer"
" He has been too good to me, said, 4" far
better than | ever deserved. But now,' | con-
tinued, 4" while here together in such mutual
happiness, tell me all about the past, and how !
came here. ="
And then learned all. Harold saw with sor-
row what sad effect wine and "gay fellows, "
as he had termed them, had upon me, and thus
it was that he kept watch upou all my move
ments. 1t was through his agency that lost so
much at the gaming-table. He was skilliul
player, and observing my great danger, he had
disguised himself so to be unrecognized 10y
me, and had won all from me. All that | had
deemed lost was now safe in his possession and
the money too, that had by my great tempta-
tion stolen. He had watched me closely, aud in
n different disguise followed me when fed from
the city. 1t was he that had saved me from Il
watery grave, and with the help of kind farmer
bore me to the cottage, where now was here
had for several weeks been dangerously i'll, and
my life despared of.
|
When heard all could help admring IIar-
old's goodness, his nobleness and kindness OF
heart? | thanked him over and over again for
all that he had done but he would not listen to
me- and in the same manner as of old, said
C ! was to blame, Eugene, for bringing you in
such danger, but | never thought any harm Of il
then but all has passed, my boy, and when you
strong enough wen return once more to the
city, where father is anxiously expecting u.s."
" Has he forgiven me p asked.
" All, my boy, never fear for that; and won 7
his eyes brighten when he knows that you and
Emile are engaged -
| smiled aud looked at Emile, whose cheeks
were crimson. Harold was fond of his sister
knew, and afterwards he told me that he was
glad had won her For, " he said, " never
would have parted with her under any consider
alton if you had not gained the fortress of the
dear little heart, though it was without laying
siege to it but the little general that she
could not contend against you, and Immediately
surrendered" And he then laughed heartily
What need to tell the rest? the reader can
guess what followed. Uncle Harold, old bach
elor as he is is great favorite with my chill
dren. And to plant in their hearts the seeds OF
true, right principles, | have told them the story
of my great temptation.