The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1877-10-10

| AA0 hAu Ell PtSi1s couhS $3.50 "Hu
disliked the cares Of housekeeping aud il
was an understood thing between them that
any gentlemen guests whom il fell Cle-
| ment's lot to entertain should be taken 70
some hotel or restaurant Well, my dear.
you know how il was. The wine flowed
/ freely-there was no feminine presence to
restrain the false idea Of good-iellowship
/ Clement acquired the fatal habit Of inds.
criminate drinking, and the upshot Of il all
was, that he filed drunkards grave. Per
haps was uncharitable. but have always
thought that had bis wife made her home
agreeable to her husband and hin guests.
things might have ended differently
But. Mrs Marley, cried Clara, much
shocked, this is quite different tbing!'
4 do not say that it is not. Clara. |
only want to warn yon against the rock on
which my poor sister-iu>law's life was
wrecked. OF what use is all our sad and
hardly won experience, if not to caution
others little?
Clara was silent for minute or two.
and when she spoke again. it was on quite
different topic. Mrs. Marley stayed and
dined with her OF the cold joint and simple
salad, and went home at abou, eight o clock.
And then came the long. lonely evening,
during ~hich Clara sat BY tho window.
neryously impatient for her husbands re-
turn.
'Of course, be is not the sort Of man to
drink too much. she told herself. over and
over again .but--but am almost sorry
was SO obstinate about not asking Dir. Fen
wick to dinner. II would moi have been 50
very much trouble. after all. aud | think
Charley was vsxed about il.
Nine o clock struck-then ten-then elc-
vcn-and Clara sprung up and began pac-
iug the room in her nervousness.
i wish lie would Gomez she cried.
wriaging her hands. i wish he would
come =
Just then there was some disturbance in
the street; and glad at all hazards to es.
cape from her own harassing thoughts, Cla-
"a threw open the window and thrust out
her head.
There was little crowd at the corner Of
the street. and she could distinctly hear the
jeeripz voices Of some Of the lit,le street
Arabs crying out: Its only q drunken
man Halo. mister. you'll end your hat
in the gutter! Can't you tell where you
live, Go and ask an officer
Clara's head turned cold as ice. Could
il be possible? Was this poor, staggering
creature. whose uncertain step afforded a.
musement to mob Of boys. her noble huss
band! Had be so far forgotten himself and
her? And if 80, .. whose door lay the
fault?
Nearer and nearer came the little crowd.
Clara drew in her head. and closed tue
window. She could not bear TO have the
dreadful probability confirmed. She stop
ped her ears she buried her face in the
pillows Of the sofa.
why, Clara, little wife, what's the mat
ter?'
Il was Charley's voice--not the maudlin
accents Of semi.intoxication. but the full.
deep tones Of the nan she felt she could
yet honor. - we'll as love aud obey. She
looked up with little hysterical laugh.
oh. Charley, | was frightened A
drunken man in the street. you know
Yes. ] passed him. A policeman has
jus, walked bin of 10 the station house.
80 you were frightened. ell:
Clara's face was radiant as she turned up
the low jet Of gas.
i am so glad you havo como, Charley
said she. Il have had q great many com.
FUNCTIONS Of conscience this Afternoon, be-
cause didn't make MIR. Fenwick welcome
to the best had 10 the house. instead Of
sending you of TO restaurant
We went 10 Lemonde's.' said Charley.
The dinner was stylish enough, but noth-
Ing better than you could have given Us at
home.
And. Charley. added Clara. softly, the
next time JOu invite friend 10 dine with
you. you may DO certain that my welcome
will be ready
That's my own dear little Clara said
Charley. And the hearty satisfaction 10
bis face was q reward for any sacrifice she
might be called upon TO make. "A fellow
likes 10 feel. you know, when be meets 40
old chum, that he has home TO ask him
to. aud wife that will meet him with
snile.'
But am sorry about Mr.. Fsnwick.
'Ncver mind. lie viii be in town again
one Of these days, and then we'll show him
whst homo made dinner is--eh, Clara2'
And Clara's smile answered him.
She had had her Lesson. She was not
likely 10 forget i.
-sss.s.ss.....,.s.s..