The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1877-01-31
Written for the Sentinel.l
A TEMPERANCE LECTURE.
A WASHINGTON STREET SCENE.

DO not buy that, Robert; have you so
soon forgotten your promise? 1 trusted you,
Robert; trusted your honor, your word;
more than that, trusted your affection.
Am to be again the victim of disappoint-
nent?"
Now, Malinda, you just keep quiet,
get into the wagon, mind your
own business, and let me alone;
I'm not to be bulldozed any more. 1 was
hurt anybody"
NO, Robert Chandler. l shall not get
into the wagon, but l shall mind my own
business. One word, Roberts come this
way" and they walked around behind the
wagon.
Mrs. Chandler wrapped the shawl more
closely around an infant in her arms,
for the wind was chilly and the ground was
covered with snow. Her clothes were
seanty for the season, and on her pensive
face were marks of care, sorrow and anx-
iety.
Zone word, Robert. Do you remember
your marriage vow? Do you remember
what you promised ma when she said that
you might take her daughter away from
home and the friends of her youth? All,
you do remember, Robert. But you have
broken your promises to me and to ma and
ID your God. Do you remember Minnie,
Robert?-our angel baby, our first born? l
do not want TO pierce your heart
With too many thorns, Robert; but 1 must
talk to you now, for unless you change your
purpose we shall say goodbye forever.
When you kissed Minnie for the last time
you made promise-do you remember
that? / know you do; it is engraven on
your memory, Robert, and when we went
with her alone almost, to the little grave,
did you not then again say you would drink
no more? Now look upon Eddie, sleeping
in my arms He is poorly clad. do not
complain about myself, Robert, but l am
delicate and cold You have but little
money; why spend it for whisky? Why
carry it to our already poverty stricken
home? Why make home more sorrowful
and life more haggard? Now, Robert. it is
time for you to go. Is it still your deter
mination to buy the whisky? You hesitate
Has the.demon so tight a grasp upon you?
Does it make you forget home and heaven,
wife and child? Still you hesitate. Well,
here is my hand, Robert. The cold
world is before me and Eddie, but
i prefer it to home with you
under the influence of the demon. love
you still, and when | am dying | will offer
a prayer for you; but 20 go home agai2 with
the dread Of such scenes as have made me
prematurely old-''never, no neveri'' and
then the peRt mp emotions broke over all re-
strsint, and the frail woman shook like a
reed in storm. Such scene was never be-
fore witnessed on Washington street. Robert
stood as If para yzed his manly chest was con-
vulsed with emotion that prevented speech.
His life passed before him in an instant. ey-
cry scene as vivid as If tainted with fire.
Then he reached forth his hand, and catching
his wifs's arm as she was passing, held her
as If in vice. mo, Malinda; no, no; do
not CO. Do you see this jug2 Just bought
it. I was going "a I'LL il with whisky and
take it home Do you see itg' Then he
dashed il onto the ice, and 1t was
shivered into a thousand fragments
No, by all that is sacred-menory of
Minnie, promise TO yonr mother, marriage
VOWS, ALL will buy no more whisky,
Malinda- I will bring the roses to your
cheek again, MaIinda. will make our cot
tage a palace Of love ana contentment.
will be man." Then the words choked
him ard he drew his rough sleeve over his
cheeks where tears were falling like rain.
Malinda stood with her face radiant with
joy, and though number Of idlers
had gathered around, Robert and Malinda
in the rapture Of happiness were all uncon-