The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1871-09-19

heart,to which it had long been strang-
er.
1t seemed almost like dream to Liz
ze when she found herself actually
walking through the village of Rose
Valley, leaning upon her husbands arm,
for it was long since they had been seen
together. She was silent, for her heart
was too full to speak, and her husband
seemed busy with his own thoughts.
She was startled with surprise when
she found the subject was temperance;
and she wondered, and would have given
much to have known if William was
aware of this before he invited her to at
tend. The speaker was an able one
Most eloquently did he speak of the mis-
cries of intemperance, of the perfect
thralldom with which it holds its victim.
Admirably did he portray the home of
the drunkard The wretched wife and
miserable, neglected children. Then fol-
lowed an earnest appeal to those he was
addressing-to those in particular, who
stood on the brink of the fatal preci-
pice, but who had not yet precipitated
themselves into the gulf below pause"
said he, "paase, and while there is yet
time, pledge yourselves, with the help of
God, to shake off the yoke that binds
you Be true to yourselves, and to the
dear ones that gather around your house
hold hearths."
The pledge was produced, and old and
young pressed forward to enroll their
names, to be installed as members Of the
infant lodge of Good Templars.
care there not more who should
come ?" continued the speaker, as the
last signature was signed care there
not those who are still hesitating between
life and death Remember, that this
pledge binds you not to slavery, but it is
the token Of freedom"
Calmly and deliberately William james,
the Village Blacksmith, left his wife's
side and advanced to the table. There
was general murmur of pleasure
throughout the assembly, but Lizzie
spoke not, and, to an Indifferent spectator,
might have appeared unmoved. The
name of WILLIAM JAMES was plainly
written, the assembly dispersed, and each
took his way to his own home, or Joined
the numerous little group who stood con-
versing upon the topics Of the evening.
AS Lizzie passed out leaning on the
arm of her husband, many congratu-
latory smile or kind shake of the hand
was received, but apparently they were
almost unnoticed. Not one word was
spoken until they were passing up the
shady walk to the cottage door. Tho
sight of the house, with its bright light
within, broke the spell, full realization
of the change which might now take
place came over her. The dark cloud
had passed away, and her husband, tho
father of her children was restored to her.
"William dear, dear William p she
murmured, and burst into tears.
My own Lizzie my dear, true-heart.
ed little wife p he said tenderly, as he
encircled her with his arm. ,..r,.
No more passed between them, for
Jennie was watching for them and with
many assurances that she had been faith
full to her charge, said she must bid
them goodnight, without delay, for faith
er and mother would be weary with wait
ing for her.
William and Lizzie stood watching
her, as with light steps she passed down
the walk, and across the field that led to
the " old place." and then entered the
cottage.
The babies slept quietly; and side by
side, as in days gone by, they sat down
near the vine-covered easement, and talk
ed long and freely of the past, present,
and future. 'l'f 43H ma
o" 1t has been long night, dearest
he said, shut with Gods help the day
will now dawn upon you. You have ev-
er been faithful wife and mother.
have caused you much suffering; but in
future it shall be my endeavor to be what
] ought to be, both to you and my chill
dren." ua.l
Lizzie pressed closer to his side, and
looked con6dingly in his face, but he
made no reply; and after short pause,
William said, hesitatingly: ,.
Perhaps Lizzie, you are not aware
that we have still some trials to pass
through. We are in debt, and unless !
can make some arrangements with my
creditors, we must part with our pleasant
home to satisfy their claims"
"Do we owe 50 very muchy' asked
Lizzie, shade Of anxiety passing over
her countenanoe.
"a mere triAe TO those who have
riches but largo sum 10 those who have