South-eastern Independent. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1871-1871, 1871-07-14

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pursuing HE unwonted task. The latti
feelings at length gained the mastery.
"Rest yourself, now, father" he said, ,
the old gentleman paused from very c.
haustion. Fear neither for my famil
nor my good name; for, with Gods hell
both shall be cared for"
"Bless you, my boy, bless you" wa
the sgitsted reply. "Your words give m
neTF life. Be yourself again, Billy. Til
dark cloud is passing away"
At the little cottage nothing was know
of what had taken place. With he
mind filled with her own sad thought!
! Lizzie noticed not the sounds that Shove
an were actively engaged at the shoJ
Her husband did cot return at noon-anC
indeed, she scarcely expected him, for h
was seldom with them at meals. She ha
lingering hope that he might com
in the evening; but even this was yer,
doubtful. Her heart best quickly, whei
Just after the sun had sank behind tn
western hills, his step was heard at th
door. The little ones clung to her dres
as he entered, for they had learned TO fea
his approach.
"Are you. not coming to see father ?
ne salu kluull. IOU dIC Atb dldAA "
me, Willie, my little man"
"Not tonight, father" replied Willie
boldly. "Come, sister, come to father
he will not hurt u.s."
Lizzie trembled lest the reply should
irritate him; but he only sighed deeply
and took the children in his arms without
speaking. With more cbeerfalness than
she had felt for months, Lizzie busied her
self with preparations for the evening
meal.
Father tells me there is to be famous
lecturer in the village this evening"" said
William, as they took their seats at the
table. "Csn you go with me to hear
him, Lizzie? Never mind the children, y
he added, as his wife glanced toward the
little ones. Sister Jennie has promised
to come round and stay with them"
"Then l will go with pleasure, VIII, )"
replied Lizzie, and the untasted food stood
before her, for she felt too happy to eat.
"Take some supper, mamma" lisped
little Lizzie; and Willie seconded the peti-
ton by saying:
"Yes, mamma, take some supper. Don't
it make you glad to have farther home
with US? You always cry when he is
gone"
There were tears in Lizzie's eyes, now /;
but loving glance from her husband sent
a thrill of happiness through her heart, to
which it had long been stranger.
1t seemed almost like dream to Lizzie,
when she found herself actually walking
through the little 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 wouldhave given much
to have known if William were aware of
this before he invited her to attend. The
speaker was an able one. Most eloquent
ly did he speak of the miseries of intem-
perance, of the perfect thraldOm in which
it holds its victim. Admirably did he
portray the home of the drunkard. The
wretched wife and miserable, neglected
children. Then followed an earnest appeal
to those he was addressing-to those in
particular, who stood on the brink of
the fatal precipice, but who had not yet
precipitated themselves into the gulf be-
low. " Pause" he said, "pause, and aoltlle
there is get time, pledge yoasrstlUes, acith the
hslp of God, to shake off the yoke that binds
you. Be true to yourSelCes, and to the dear
ones that gather around gOuT household
bedTthsn,
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 sigma
ture was signed. Are 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 a general murmur of pleasure through
1ut the assembly, but Lizzie spoke not,
and, to an Indifferent spectator, might
have appeared unmoved. The name of
WILLIAM JAMES was plainly and legibly
written, the assembly dispersed, and each
look his way to his own home, or Joined
he numerous little groups who stood con-
Versing upon the topics OF the evening.
As Lizzie passed out, leaning on
he arm of her husband, many
1 congraiulatory smile or kind
shake of the hand was received, but
they were almost unnoticed.
Not one word was spoken until they were
passing up the shady walk to the cottage
ioor. The 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
loud had passed away, and her husband,
he father of her children, was restored to
ler.
"Williaml dear, dear Williamp she
and burst into tears.
My own Lizzie my dear, true-hearted
title wife" he said, tenderly, as he en-
,ircled her with his arm.
No more passed between them, for Jen-
1ie was watching for them land with many
assurances that she had been faithful to
her charge, said she must bid them good
night, without delay, for father and
mother would be weary with waiting for
her.
William and Lizzie stood watching her,
IS with light steps she passed down the
walk, and across the field that led to the
old place." and then entered the cot
tage.
The babies slept quietly; and side by
side, as in days gone by, they sat down
near the vine-covered easement, and talked
ong and freely of the past, present and fu-
Iure
at has been long night, dearest" he
;aid, but with Gods help, the day will
now dawn upon you. You have ever been
/ faithful wife and mother. l have caused
you much suffering; but in future 1t shall
be my endeavor to be what ought to be,
both to you and my children"
Lizzie pressed closer to his side, and
ooked confidingly in his face, but he made
40 reply; and after short pause, William
'aid, hesitstingly:
Perhaps, Lizzie, you are not aware that
we have still some trials to pass through.
We are in debt, and unless l can make
;ome arrangements with my creditors,
We must part with our pleasant home to
,atisfy their claims"
"Do we owe so very much?" asked Liz
lie, shade of anxiety passing over her
A mere trifie to those who have riches;
)ut large sum to those who have moth
ng," was the reply. About five hun
lTed dollars, believe"
Lizzie gently disengaged herself from
he arm which her husband had thrown
lround her, and entered the little room
where the children were sleeping In a
ew minutes she returned, and placing a
mall work-box in her husbands hand,
,Y,nilprIy.