Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1875-05-18
MISCELLANEOUS.
LOVED TO DEATH.
BY NED BuNTLINE.

:'Charles, will you do me great favor ?"
1t was lrine Grey who thus addressed her
only brother, a fine manly-looking young
man, whose dress and carriage told his posi-
tlon to be that of a gentleman in the common
acception of the term.
1t was tho day before the New Year holi-
day of 1870.
"Yes dear sister, if in my power. You
know it is even a joy to me to add to your
pleasures when l can. What is it now? Do
you wish me as an escort to the theatre or
ball2
"No, dear brother it is this: Do not make
any New Years calls Tomorrow"
''HeAVens, Irene, You astonish me-
What possible harm is there in this dear old
custom of visiting ones lady friends, and
wishing them Happy New Ycar!"
Charies do you not remember in what
condition you camo, or rather how you were
brought home last New Years day, and the
long terrible sickness which followed 2"
''No, sister; nor tho tender care which
most likely saved my life, for you were the
watcher by my side. But sweet one, signed
the pledge at your request as soon as I got
we'll. have kept it over since, for feel rs
you feel, that my character and my very life
both depends on my total abstinence from al
cholic drink"
Yes, Charles, ycu signed and so far with
Gods help have kept tho pledge. But to.
morrow will be day of terrible temptation
Wine and hot punches will disgrace many a
table where you would visit, fair lips will
tempt you to taste, and"
'"Stop one moment, dear Rene-do you
think any lady will ask me to break my
pledged word p
''Charles-you will fnd even as [ have
found, among our acquAntances those who
will laugh at what they term the folly of abb
stIuence, the tauaticism of temperance. You
will be pressed to take one here. or one there,
and then-excited by single drop will be-
come the tyrant, and you are lostr'
Nonsense darling sister! / nm firm
will make my usual calls aud show them
all thst l am and will be a mani"
"Charles-I tremble for the result. At
least promise mo not to go to the house of
Mr.. Tinshop"
"Why, sister-of all places not to neglect
that is the one. don't think much of old
TinshOp, for ho is a whiskey bloat; but
love Flora and she loves me. We are as good
as engaged now, and were l not to call on
her, it would seem like cruel insult"
"Ah, Charles you know as we'll as I that
the table there will contain the deadly temp.
tation, and that her father will laugh at your
scruples, and that she his pet and heiress,
will have to coincide in his views.'
yet for all that, my sister, 1 will, for in
keeping it | know exists all my safety. i'll
break it, honor character all that make life
worth possessing, will CO. Do not fear for
me. l love you, and will not swerve from
the path you opened out for me when lay
upon my sick-bed."
She said no more. She saw that argument
was useless she could but pray to her Heay-
enly Father to save the brother of her love
from drunkards death.
"Ah, here comes a welcome visitor, FIoe,''
cried Mr.. Tinshop, when Charles Grey en-
entered his parlors, early on that New Years
Day. "Mr Grey l am glad to see you"
"Charlcs, you are very very welcomed"
was the warm tender greeting of Flora, as she
c!aspet his extended hand in both of hers.
Dear Flora, 1 came to wish you happy
New Year, and never saw you look so lovely
as now! Oh, how beautiful you are."
This was in low tone, for Mr. Tinshop at
that moment was busy at the table.
he came to them moment after. with a
silver salver in his hand On it three glasses
of sparkling wine stood but two visible.
"Here is TO a hundred Now Years as
bright as this!" cried Mr. Tinshop, as Flora
took up one glass, and he another.
Hardly can We expect a hundred but
will say many" said Flora with smile.
"Why Charlie, what is the Datter7 You
do not touch your glass;" said Mr.. TiushOp.
You're not sick ?"
mo, sir, but signed the pledge about
eleven months ago and have kept it ever
"Pshsw, did not dream thai. you was such
spoony. 1 believed you to be young man
of spirit and manly independence. As such,
have rejoiced to see an apparent attachment
springing up between you and Flora. But
if you are one who can sign away your own
rights and privileges aud join in fagatical
crusade against the luxuries of life, hope
you will forget each other as soon as You can"
This was spoken in a tone and with an ex-
preston which brought from Flora fearful
look and = word of remonstTaEce.
''Oh, papa do not ask me to forget him.
he loves me-"
..NOt enough to even drink yOur health on
day like this, when all the world is rejOic-
ing"