Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-08-14
For the VERMONT FARMER.
THE SOCIAL GLASS.

"Oh mother, you are too strict. Fred
only takes glass now and then with friend,
and other young men do the same"
mot all, my dear" replied Mrs. Haven.
at is too true, that many, very many young
men have become addicted to the pernicious
habit, and plead in excuse that others. even
men IN high standing in society, set the Gx-
ample before them but it is none the less
an evil and an alarming one. Fred Blake,
if it were not for this one failing, is such
man as should be glad to call my son. but
1 should be very unwilling"
"Why. mother" interrupted Emily. blush
ing. "it is not-that is, Fired has never"
and she stopped in confusion, while her
mother brought the disconnected sentences
to an ineligible clOnclusion.
mo, Fred has never proposed marriage.
you would say. l supposed not, and think
am right in believing there is no attachment
existing between you that may not be broken
without unkndness or cruelty to either of
you. Is it not so, my daughter?"
ut is, Mt least on my part" replied Emily.
81 have always esteemed Fred, and enjoyed
his society, and lately he has shown some
preference for me, but | think we are both
heart-wholc yet. Is that what you wish to
know ?"
Yes, for should be almost rs sorry to
separate you from one TO whom you were
sincerely attached, rs to see you welded to n
drunkard. emily shudderod) l did not
mean to apply the term to Fred now," con-
tiued Mrs. Haven, " but 1t is what all are IN
danger of becoming who indulge in the So
called social glass. But we are too busy to
discuss the matter now. After dinner come
to the sitting-rOom. and will toll you n sad
story that you may be warned Of the danger
that Turks in tho cup"
Emily Haven was the only child Of her
parents, but though dearly loved she had
not been spoiled. Her mother had early
taught her by example, the value of time
and tho dignity of labor, and Emily not only
possessed good common education and a
mind we'll stored with practical knowledge.
bnt she was well skilled in the arts Of the
kitchen and dairy. Her manners and morals
also were taught by the preccpt and exam
pie OF her mother, u woman of cultivated
mind, n faithful wife, q knd-hearted and
Her personal appearance, do You ask That
is of less consequence but the most fastidiou'
could find little fault. Imagine q girl O.
twenty summers, of medium height and we'll
developed figure, with clear, blooming com
plexion,--the result of industrious habits anC
Jjudicious out-of-door exercise,-a proiusioI
Of auburn hair, smoothly parted above 1
moderately high forehead, and merry haze
eyes, that could be serious enough upon
occasion however,-and you have u fail
portrait of Emily Haven. No, not beauty
but just such fair, sweet girl as you may
meet at many farmhouse throughout New
England.
On this particular afternoon when the
table was cleared and the kitchen tidied
Emily took her sewing, and joined he
mother in the sitting room. The two worC
silent for time, each busy with her owl
thoughts. Mrs. Haven was reviewing thu
past, and the recollection evidently brought
sadness, for the fair face of the matron was
clouded.
Emily was thinking of the future, and hel
continuance wore IN expression Of indecls
ion but hardly of anxiety. The truth WA
just as she had stated ii to her mother. Sh,
liked Fred Blake and was interested in IN
welfare, but as yet, her heart was free
Though capable of strong emotions ant
sincere affections she was not easily led By
impulse, and if her good common sense
influenced by her mothers counsel and ex
periencs, should dictate such n course, sh
could discontinue her intimate acquaintance
with Mr.. Blake without any romantic senti
ment or love sick pining.
Presently her mother broke the silence
Emily" she said, "You have seen the minia
ture of your Aunt Lizzie in my desk
"Yos mother, and have always longed +
know something Of her, but you seemed t
avoid the subject when l mentioned her
II have seldom spoken Of her for maA.