Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-02-28
Only Ale.

We had moved three times in ten years
Emma, our little daughter, was nine years
old, a pretty child, and great favorite with
everybody. Willy was a boy of three, and
we had always been a happy and united
family. When we were married, the world
was prospering with us. Then Charley took
partner, who proved dishonest and nearly
ruined him. Our handsome house was given
up for a little cottage in the suburbs, and
We consoed ourselves for the loss of our in
door splendors by the variety and beauty of
our outdoor wealth. The children had room
to grow in. Everything was novel and beau
tiful to them-a new Eden. Then came
success again then widespread series of
commercial troubles that again involved
Charley so that he lost almost everything,
and we were literally poor. This time we
found refuge in the home of friend, who
gave up to our use two or three rooms where
we could hide ourselves in our dismay and
live close.
The times grew no better, rather worse.
Our clothes became seedy, the children's
| shoes grew red at the toes. We gave up
some of what had been necessaries of life
Coffee tea and sugar. Charley's cheeks
grew thin and eyes sunken. He worked
with might and main to stave off ruin, but
the evil day came.
1t is very hard for man to bring such
news to his wife and children But in how
many homes the unhappy story has been re-
peated of late How eagerly | looked for
his return from day to day, sure to hear the
same spiritess words, " Nothing to do as yet"
One night Charley came home with a
flushed face. His eyes glittered; he was
not like himself but like man under the
influence of fever. His tongue was thick !;
Al. ~ &. /.
to his little ones and to me-drunk. The
fact was terrible one but why attempt to
disguise it? Emma looked at me like one
horror-stricken. | shall never forget the
anguish in her face. She knew the extent
of our disgrace. for she had been brought
up strict teetotaler.
"Go into the next room, dear, and take
your little brother" | said: " Papa is not
we'll" Willy, who had been sitting half
asleep by my side, went willingly to bed.
For while my husband was garrulous and
silly, but by degrees the effect of the liquor
grew less and he talked more like himself.
"I've had an offer, En-" he said; ." the
business is good one, and will reinstate
us in our old style of living. And if sue
coed, as have no doubt shall, Pm made
mana rich man.
b" | am very glad" said; but, indeed, Sc
saddened was | at this first revelation of
weakness that | could not speak with my
usual heartiness, aud he noticed it.
"You ought to be. In these times man
must turn his hand to anything that pays
It's sin to let good chances slip through
ones fingers, on account of ones notions OF
preiudices. I'm sick of poverty; | won't
delve like clodhopper, and then starve on
dry bread and Cruel; and | won't see my
children in rags"
"They have never been in rags yet
Charles" | said.
swell, mighty near it besides, there's NJ
use in your Directing, you know. You will
of course you will but understand me, il
won't make bit of difference. | have
made up my mind"
what is the business ?" asked, suddel
terror catching my heart.
"Well Steinburger has offered me al
agency. It's not as if it We're wines anc
liquors. Pm to sell at wholesale-that is
by the bottle and cask. You've heard o
Steinburger's ale Well, you needn't lool
like ghost at that. It's respectful,
business"
Just then there came sob, and out of TIN
shadow Emma stole towards us. Never cal
| forget the look of horror in her face-th
eyes so mournful, the down-streaming tears
the beseeching attitude. On she moved til
she gained her fathers side, and there sh,
dropped down on her knees.
40 papa if you do that, if you 60 int
that awful business, how will you meet the
ruined souls of poor drunkards o papa
if you do that can never look anybody il
the face again. Indeed, indeed, dear papa
. | would ask God to take me to heaven, ant
| know He would"
1t was asingular scene. Opposition cam
/, from source he was not prepared fol-
! and Emma was his idol. He drew lon,
: breath, and his face changed.
"Get up, child" he said, gently, though
{ his voice trembled.
80 dearest papa you won't become
!, drunkard-maker ?" she pleaded and
thought that, with her floating hair, height
: ened color and streaming eyes, she looke'
! like some sorrowful angel.
Another long breath-he pressed his lip
I together.
= Get up, my child you have conquered,
he said, softly, "No, by the grace of God,
won't be drunkard-maker,' he said
! solemnly. 81 tried to harden my heart blu
we'd better be poor" Then she sprang int
his arms, and hid her joyful face in his bosom
= and we all wept together; but they wer
I blessed tears.
, Little by little we have managed to regal
/ our old position but no ruined souls ca
= point to us, no children cry for blood-staine
money with which the father and HUSBAND
' purchased the poison of the still. Do yo
say it was only ale Then answer, " God
,,,,a. 4 ~, - oil Daa.a.