Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-05-19
"Mrs. Marion and | WENT

talk about you ladies. and what does it
amount to. Liquor has been sold and
always will be, "iill the end OF the world"
Mrs. IIolbrook was calm now and
ready to talk
William, there are two women in this
city tonight, crushed to the earth by this
that you say, always shall be. Mrs. Ma
zion and were down town when you and
her husband eame from Leonard'si Oh,
William, my husband, never knew you
went there"
Mr.. Holbrook was astonished; his face
flushed, then paled, rs rising from his
chair he paced tue room in wrath. "Do
you accuse me of drinking, Mrs. llol.
brooke" The words were Kissed through
those contracted lips.
His wife trembled at this strange dis
play of his anger.
William. cannot accuse you; don't
look so. Oh, William, you know love
YOU better than self, and the children"
"Ilavo treated you i'll. or neglected
10 provide for my home, or grumbled at
your call Tor money, Mrs. llo!brooSP'
"Oh, no! William. this is killing me. y
Mrs. lIolbrook went toward her husband,
but he put out one hand, "Stay, madam,
your love has strangely altered when re
spect has departed" he said, and left the
room.
Could his wife have followed she might
have suffered less, Walking back and
forth in the library for an hour seemed an
age to William lIolbrook. He heard his
vile 90 slowly up the stairs, and some
thing in the soft footballs drove the demon
from his bosom. Sinking iuto chair he
bowed his head upon his desk, and when
it was lifted the expression Of the lace
was altered. William llolbrook despised
himself.
Mrs. Holbrook. on entering her cham
Der Immediately knclt nj the bedside and
called upon Him who never leaves us
alone in any trying hour.
Next morning when the sun awoke
earth's sleepers, Mr.. lIolbrook arose, and
parlook of breakfast, and then left for the
Bank, without his customary "good
morning" TO wife and chill lrcn. But all
day q pale lace haunted him, pressed
upon q damp pillow scarcely winter As
it drew near the time for his return home,
he began to wonder what the next meet.
ing would be.
Here, wife, are some flowers from
'Cartris.' What are you doing?' catch
ing uerby in his arms, whose little hands
were searching his fathers pockets.
These arc beautiful. William; we
will have them on The table where
We can enjoy them together" Mrs.
Iiolbrook placed them in ono oil The
silver vases, and leslooned the smilaN.
then placed them upon the table as a SER
want entered with tea.
Mr. Holbrook was romping with the
children. nevertheless he noticed the pale
face OF the mother, tho voice was pleas
ant and everything had been arranged
for his comfort. The children were the
most hearty partakers OF iha. meal, then
went to bed. NJ. lIolbrook wondered il!
Kate was never coming down. There
was nothing in The paper worth reading,
When his vile retained she found him
mapping in his chair.
She was too weary TO sew, and taking
from her basket some light, fancy work,
she sat in 4 low rocker with her back TO
the light.
Mr.. Holbrook awokc and watched for
some time The swaying OF her chair, and
thought.
"Katcm
The rocker stopped lis motion and Mrs.
Ho,brook turned TO her husband
"What is it. William? lid not know
y VI NSlG anu
GLOW have you been to day?"
lie could think Of nothing else 10 say.
IL did not rest we'll last night I've
felt tired 10 day"
She showed no resentment in her an
swer. 1t was q true wife who spoke, and
her husband felt it.
"Kate ~ the strong man was beside his
vile. and buried his handsome head in
her lap, and a mans sobs and groans
spoke more than pleading words Of for
giveness.
"William, was too abrupt last night.
shonld not have spoken to you as did"
'Wife, stay" Mr.. Holbropk raised his
head. "Can you forgive those bitter
things spoke 1 was not myself, my
good wife. I've been going wrong. I've
tried to keep it from you. Will you help
me to break IRON the habit so easily
formed. knew not its power over me
Til to-day"
Why linger we9 Two ladies less at
the committee meeting to report, but two
husbands pledged to total abstinence,
were victories little dreamed Of.
Mr.. Marion was met next day by his
ncighbor, with I'm going to the lecture
this evening, are you P"
Eyes, I've promised my wife to attend.
| believe this movement will do some
good yet. /, for one, have quilted
Leonard's."