The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1871-01-14

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for he had never returned to his home IN a state
Of intoxication, and she had no idea that what
little he drank could make much difference in
peeuniary point Of view. Yet Sarah Ellery was
not without her fears, and as night after night
pissed, and found her husband absent so late
from his home, she could not but tremble for the
future.
That night little Lucy returned from school
Mrs. kilsry changed her garments and placed
her by warm fire; but cold shiver seemed to
have taken possession of the child, which no out.
ward warmth could overcome, and the mother
Justly feared that the daughter would be sick.
Charles came home to his supper. and the events
OF the morning having passed from his mind, he
was comparatively happy and cheerful; but still
he could not help neticing that his little child
was not - sprightly ~ usual, and that his wife
was sad and thoughtful! Then the thought
| came over him that this was the effect of The
| morning scene, and he became moody and taci-
turn, and ct length he took his hat to 90 out
CHARLES" said his wife, in kind, imploring
manner, couldn't you stay with me this eve
nins! I'm afraid Lucy is going to be sick. and
1t 10 20 dark and stormy that really feel lone.
some. Yon used to spend your evenings with
10, IN b back In good season, Sarah. I'm
Just going ont to see what's going on. Lueyll
DO we'll enough. guess"
"Then you will be at home early, won't you ?"
"1ss, returned Mr.. Ellery, in sort of hest.
Eating, indecisive manner; and without further
remark he left the house.
Now, - Charles Ellery walked along away
from his home, he made up his mind that he
would return early.he would Look in at one or
two places where his companions were in the
habit Of songregating, smoke cigar, have a lit
tie chat, and then return The first place he
Game to was an oyster saloon, kept by one of his
old friends, and a. he entered he was greeted by
| . hearty welcome from all hands.
"Come, boys" said one of the party, shortly
after Charles had entered, "lets shake for the
drinks"
Charles Ellsry might have resisted direct
invitation to drink for his appetite did not crave
it; but the accompanying amusement was 90
entertaining, 90 social that he could not say no,
and 20 he joined with the rest in the sport. The
dice-box vas procured, and the party, eight in
all, oommenoed the game. Round and round
went the dice-one after another of the party
were freed from the "treat," and at length Chas
Ellsry was decided the loser. Hot brandy
punches wore called for, and Charles paid the
oiN-hfty oents-but that was nothing twas
mere sport; and without thought, save OF
pleasure. he threw three dollar bill upon tho
bar, from which to have the expense of the
eight "punches" taken. The sport was ga ex.
citing that the dice-box WAS called for again,
md though Charles got clear of the BILL yet he
drank with tho rest, and then third time did
Charlss Ellsry drink
All hands were now ready for Amusement
One thing after another was proposed, until at
Length It was agreed to have cosy game of bill
iards. Had Charles been asked half an hour
previously to have gone to such nights enter.
tainment, no might have said 'Ao;" but now,
with three glasses of brandy-punch sending its
fumes mp into his brain, he most unhesitatingly
said ''yes, and 40 to the billiard room they went.
and il Was not till the city bell struck the hour
OF midnight that the party broke up
When Charles Ellery left his jolly companions,
no found that he had just spent three dollars but
the tunss OF pleasing liquor still made him feel
pared with the amount Of social pleasure he had
received FROM it. With a light, easy step he
started towards his home, but ere he had been
long on the way, his step grew heavier, for he
happened to remember that be had promised his
wife that he would bs home in good season, and
when he entered his dwelling it was not with.
out msgiving that he was not doing exactly IA
he ought to do He found his wife, with u thick
shawl drawn closely over her shoulders sitting
over the FIRE; and as the gentle Sarah cas-. her
eyes towards him, he could not fail to observe
that they were red and swoolen with weeping.
why, Sarah, what are you up for at this time
OF night 7" asked Charles in sort of wondering.
uneasy Tone
II could not go till you had come, Charles"
said she, rising from her seat and extending her
hand to her husband. "And, besides. our child
IL very sick O. I hope Lucy will not have tho
fever that is 90 prevalent around u.s."
30, there's no danger, 1 guess" returned Mr..
Ellery, in oonciliatory tone "Only u slight
cold-shell soon get over it,"
"But she's very sick, Charles--very sick, and
! am really fearful that she is Threatened with
fever. have done everything for herI could,
however, and perhaps she may get over it."
Charles Ellsry felt i'll at ease. Not one word
had his wife said about remaining so late away
from home, and ~ he began to realize how
much she had suffered in her LONELINESS his
heart smote with his GOODNESS Such little at. |
tentions as Mrs. Ellery could bestow upon her
child, were freely administered, but sometime |
ere morning dawned, Mr.. Eery found 1t ne |
cessary to 20 for the doctor.
The first gray streaks Of morning were BEGIN. |
ing to relieve tho gloom of the eastern horizon |
when the doctor entered where little Lucy Ell |
lery lay.
''Yoa should have called me last evening, Mr.. |
Elery," said the physician, as he felt the chids
pulse, and examined her tongue. Ihc1 [ might
have broken up this fever, but it's too late now.
The disease Is firmly settled" Then turning 10
Mrs. Ellsry, he continued: I.r. %
I'm afraid you have not been sufficiently
careful Of your child. You say she attended
school yesterday ?"
"Yes sir" Observation-Disclosures.
"Ihen her cold must have been very sudden"
remarked the doctor, again turning to the child. |
However" he added, in u sort Of explanatory
manner, 1--WE must all learn by experience. At
such seasons AZ the present children cannot be