Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-03-01
VOL. 71.-362O. NO. 20.

to look forward TO his wifs's next birthday,
and TO prepare for her little, or rather
great surprise. To some extent she was
indeed, already surprised. She had noticed,
with strange, trembling Joy, that not only
did her husbands breath not betray the
everlasting rum, but that he grew kinder
every day. But, really, we must cut this
story short.
On the thirty.6rst anniversary Of Mrs.
Thompson's birthday, John proceeded to the
savings bank and drew therefrom the sum
of seventy-fve dollars which he had saved in
the three months Of his sobriety. With the
money he went 10 the various stores and
made sundry purchases in accordance with
list which he had carefully prepared, Of
articles which were needed in the house
There was little of almost everything
crockery, tiu-ware, half dozen knives and
forks, black ALPACA dress pattern, clock,
some cotton-cloth, and four pairs OF juvenile
shoes-making his purchases with great
quietness and method; and with these all in
an express wagon he drove TO his house.
Aud when these things were carried in, and
the expressman had departed, he said to his
amazed wife
"Mary, this is your birthday, and these
are are sorhe things you need"
John" she cried, " dear John, what does
this all mean ?"
at MEANS" said John, that things are
changed"
And you don't drink any more ?"
Don't drink any more said John, with
solemn echo.
Don't drink any more," piped the chill
dren, as Mrs. Thompson quietly gave way y"
to her feelings, resting in dramatic attitude
upon the bosom Of John.
But ecstasy is, in its very nature, tran
sient family A" scene," even the most emo
tional, can't last much over half an hour,
and at the end Of that period John and his
family were prosac enough. Bnt they were
happy and talkative.
"Why didn't tell you of my resolution %
said johns " because feared | could not
keep it. | only did keep it because counted
the cost closely and resolved to pay it to the
last iota"
Let us hurry to the last scene.
Ii was New Years night again. John
bad kept the faith; friends had gathered
around him; ; his resolution was buttrcssed
with supplementary aids. His business had
prospered his wife began 10 look young;
the feet of his little children were warmly
clad, aud John was a deputy grand some
thing in temperance organization, and had
spoken with considerable ability and great
| earnestness at several temperance meetings,
always, however, laying great stress upon
the need OF courage in commencing the
work OF moral reconstruction; he never
said it was easy. lie is becoming a useful
man; there is a savings bank book and a
life insurance policy in his bureau drawer.
His children are able now 10 attend the
Sabbath-school regularly. Johns own name
is on the books of the church Of which his
wife has long been member he is usually
quite orthodox in his belief, but troubled
sometimes with doubts and difficulties, SO
that he might at times, be characterized as
Mannechean gnostic, tinged with mediaval
Pelagianism, with dash Of the Arian her.
esy; but he reads the New Testament a
good deal, and il is the opinion of many that
he endeavors 10 shape his life in accordance
with the sublime ideal therein embodied.
On this particular New Years night John
said to his wife
Mary, | am going to sleep tonight up in
the attic chamber, where | slept year ago
tonight. have particular reason for wish
ing to do so."
=" "well," said his wife, hope the ghosts
won't trouble you"
Johns face changed color at this remark
Of Mrs. Thompson's; but she did not observe
it and shortly after he took the small. lamp
and retired. 1t was about eleven o'clock.
" II they come he said, ii won't proba-
bly, be before twelve o'clock"
John made this remark Just as he turned
down the lamp and sprang into bed, and
that was about the last he knew till the
next morning. lie had passed a dreamless
night in sound sleep. No Winter King, no
old Year no New Year had troubled him,
no ghost nor devil, for he had slept the calm
sleep of health and temperance. The sun
beams streamed in through the window (for
John was not at work that day, and had
slept late), aud he saw the red sun himself,
looking quite oldfashioned and unghostlike.
" 1t was all a drunken dream" said John,
after moments musing, aud nothing
else; and yet there was grain of immortal
truth in it,
And so John Thompson went down to
breakfast-Sprinafed Daily Union.