Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1876-03-25
maudlin cheerfnlness
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All right.
AS they rode on she saw chat he was
sinking into drunken stupor. Oh, il
they we're only safe at home how glad
she would he. An then she thought
Of the river yet TO be forded, and every
breath was a prayer. She determined
not to let him have the child when they
were crossing, but to trust to her own
arm and courage to carry herself and
the babe through. She hoped he would
not think to ask her for the child, and
was nerving herself for refusal in
case he should, when they came in
sight of the water. sa
The moon shone down, making it
almost as bright as day. Virgie thank
ed heaven for that But she shudder-
ed as the sweep Of the water fell on her
ear; and she saw it foaming in the
moonlight, as it swept on in a strong
current.
Charles reused himself. s9
Where s the boy ?'' he asked. a'.s
Never mind, dear He's asleep,
and don't like to disturb him. | lean
carry him over. I'm strong enough for
it, fn hsA 4
what is the woman thinking Of 2
You carry himmoVer, indeed Give
him to me. ,n
But, Charles, you are not in a con-
dition to hold him. / shall be thank
full if you can guide your horse over
safely, as you are saem AS sFf
sHa What do you mean by that n
She made him no answer.
DO you take me for a fool 2" he
said roughly and angrily. lid u
Now, Charles, don't do so ! You
know your arm is very unsteady, just
now. 1t is, indeed r.
"Ah, / understand you now. So,
madam, | suppose you think I'm
drunk p s aofQHis-sN saf
Again she was silent. u 1sdT
h Give me the child!'' he said iercely.
20, Charles! For Gods sake
Give him to me, | say Do you
think to brave me SO? Give him to me
this minute.ods roaisoa sdI ianaf
Resistance, she knew, was useless.
It would only serve TO infuriate him,
and what will not a drunken man do !?
Uncovering the little sleeping face,
she kissed it once-then drawing the
thick shawl which enveloped the little
figure, she covered the face again, and
gave him into her husband S arms. Z
4 Charles, for the love of heaven be
careful r. 4a ga.lr fsdl ranssge :
SO they plunged in, and she did not
take her eyes from the other two until
they had nearly reached the opposite
bank. Then her horse stepped on
stone, and. slipping, nearly precipitated
her into the water. When her atten-
ton was again free they had reached
the opposite bank. s
There he is - said Charlie, trium-
phantly, as he placed the bundle in her
arms. What simpleton you are to
think | couldn' bring him over safely
How very light it was Good heav-
en- She moved it about in her arms,
pressed it closer, and then uttered an
awful shriekr ,.Y -y.,G...ff
my child My little childi My
Charlie! o, my child I" "Fsiai 7ai ia
Both turned simultaneously back to
the water. The quick eye the moth
er was just in time to catch one last
brief glimpse of little, rosy, pitiful,
upturned face-and then it disappears
ed down the current, and the rapid
water flowed onl 7s'e5lI go9 ne4
To his drunken unsciousness Charles
had let the sleeping infant drop out Of
the shawls, and nothing could be heard
above the noise of the waters. He
did not know it till the mother scream
ed. ...tl4
There was nohelpl Oh 1T was pitt
iful, heartbreaking! Poor, young
mother!
~ =
The home of the Gales is very still
now. Virgie's pale face seems paler
yet, from contrast with her black dress.
The cradle so desolate, standing al
ways back in the corner of the nur-
sery.. She never passes it without hay
ing her heart wrung anew; and she will
sit for hours folding and unfolding the
little clothes, and her hands linger
lovingly among them. There is pair
of tiny, worn shoes in the drawer of
her work table, and lock of fair, soft
baby hair in the great bible.
Let us hope that Charles Gale is o
better man.