The Osceola times., 1876-03-18

, provided the cook is the fair Julia,
beg her majesty's pardon for having
drawn single unknightly breath
against one of her SEX" plead the youth,
in mock humility.
Everybody who has been to picnic
(who has not p knows that the feature of
the day is the lunch. What fun to sit
on the ground To improvise tray out
of a piece of bark, All with sandwiches,
pass them around and getn yourself! !
To upset box of sardines on your best
coat to insist that the young doctor,
whom you are dying TO catch (only to
spite somc other girl y shall taste the
lemon pie you declare you have made
and have him spill il over your new
cambric! To eat mere pickles than you
ought, because the pretty girl by your
side (she goes to every picnic) says that
pickle It'll thure cure for love-"
Those and similar accomplishments were
adding life TO the occasion, when Susie
Carroll held up bottle Of wine.
"Oh, please don't open i'll" urged
Ella Collins.
"Why not, Miss Reformer? DO you
think we are silly enough to bring it and
not enjoy it? No indeed! let's drink to
the belle of the day." answered Susie,
maliciously gIancing at Irene.
What have you there?" inquired the
latter, ignoring the sly snecr.
"Only claret, that baby might drink
yet Ella Collins commands that it shall
not be opened!" said Susie, as she handed
the bottle to Ed Howard.
"Well, fear we will further alarm
our temperance advocate by mixing wine;
here is catawba," said Albert Willis,
from the depths Of Julia Lees basket.
"And here, the genuine, sparkling
champagne! !" smiled Irene, as she passed
the bottles to Mr.. Sinton. But, instead
of receiving them gladly, and Fastening
to draw the explosive corks, he begged
that Miss Gordon would excuse him
that he could neither touch or taste them.
g Is it possible that you refuse to obligc
me?" said the naughty girl, in astonish-
ment.
Il am under vow, and know you will
forgive me il l refuse it, though at the
risk of incurring her displeasure for whom
/ would make great sacritice!"
A shade of disappointment passed over
her face, but she soon rallied:
Now, Mr.. Sinton, champagne can do
no one harm, and If you fear that you
will not know when YOU have had enough,
I'll play mentor and gently whisper to
remind you"
"A fairer guide no man could follow;
but do not insist; you can not tell how |
fear it," pleaded the young man, feeling
her power.
With mock displeasure and cruel per-
sistency, she continued:
81 cannot keep any engagement we
have made for this afternoon, unless you
fill my glass and drink with me-"
lie hesitated no longer, but drew the
corks, filed the glasses and gave the toast ;
"Thc queen at whose command all
VOWS may be broken"
Twas fatal draught, for it was fol-
lowed by others, and in short time Paul
Sinton was not responsible for words or
deeds, and leaving the party abruptly,
was driven to town in a buggy by Albert
Willis.
On the next day he ventured to call
on Irene to apologize for his conduct.
In a lengthy appeal he reproachcd him
self, never for moment laying the blame
on her. She heard him through, looking
grave and IMPLYING, but at the close,
replied with merry laugh;
"Why, Mr.. Sinton, you argue nobly,
and would adorn the profession; but
your eloquence may he spared for more
ncedfnl cause. was rather amused
than otherwise at the absurdity of vow
to temperance, or, as you say, to total alb
stinence! You needed the occasion to
restore your resolution you have alb
stained so long that tbs no wonder two
glasses did turn your head tits almost
incredible that gentleman could become
tight with two glasses of champagne
can drink three with perfect safety.
You'll get over that womanly weakness
at our parties this winter"
was induced TO sign the pledge by
a sister, who feared | was too fond of
wine,' said Paul, trying to excuse him
self.
"Your sister doubtless had the kind
est intentions, but not faith in your own
strength of WILL" argued the coquette,
strengthening, by flattery, his admiration
of herself
The months passed on. When sum
mer came again, Paul and Irene were be-
trothed. Paul had made many friends
in Newburgh, but their apprehcnsions
for his fondncss for the wine-cup were
often confirmed, and Judge Hart had felt
it TO he his duty To demonstrate with
him against the habit the young man
insisted that he should soon lay it aside !;
that he could desist when he found it
doing him harm. Meanwhile, the beau
tiful mentor, when besought TO dissolve
the engagement, answered sorrowfully !;
"Tis but fashion of youth; when the
real work of his profession claims his at
tcntion, he will have neither time nor
taste for such gayety; besides, I'd have
little regard for a man who could not
take wine in moderation
Nearly three years have elapsed since
the lovers were introduced. The "boy
clerk" has already won laurels for him
self, and fame waits TO trumpet his deeds
aloud the bridal trousseau is being pre-
pared, and society is anticipating the
wedding, which promises to be an event
of rare elegance for Newburgh. 'Tis a
beautiful evening in April; the balmy
air and soft moonlight have beguiled the
lovers TO the piazza their conversation
is of the future. Many pictures are
painted, all in coicm dc rose
"Irene, am inclined to take again
the pledge TO temperance. Wine does
tempt me strongly, and my constitution
is frail. DIR. R WAS telling me TO