Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-04-10
Royal Entertainment.

"Many called upon him, and he treated
his guests royally with his choicest wines"
The above paragraph is from "A report
which appeared in prominent paper after
a closely contested election, and has refer
ence to the successful candidate for an i'm
portant office.
Not high-toned conversation and intelli
gent discussion of the duties which would
devolve upon the host as public officer
Not mutual pledges binding one to act
faithfully and consciemtiousy, while others
gave their cordial aud efficient support. Not
display of learning and culture, with q
full appreciation of the duties about to be
assumed.
There was nothing of all these, yet the
guests were " treated royalty" The choicest
wines at the disposal of their host were sci
before them. He gave of his best, and this
best was wine which becioudS, even while ii
stimulates, the brain.
But who thought of this as glasses cliuked
merrily and were afterwards drained OF
their contents ? Who counted the cost OF
the entertainment, not in dollars and cents,
but in high hopes and noble aspirations ?
There were many present to whom the
evenings experience was but an ordinary
event, which would have no marked inhu-
ence upon their future lives. There was
one, however, young man, whose career
was an object of solicitude to a large circle
of friends. lie had talent, wealth, and po-
sition. His personal appearance was attrac-
tive and his manners genial. He was gen
erous and sympathetic; ready to assist
others both with words and deeds; and yet
he had stood upon the very verge of ruin,
from which he had been rescued by loving
hands
lie thought not of danger as he entered
the house whose doors were thrown wide
open to all who chose to pass within. Ills
foe lurked in the wine-cup; and realizing
this, he refused again and again to taste the
sparkling liquor. Yet still he fingered where
the fumes appealed to his senses, making ii
more and more difficult to resist the cravings
OF his appetite.
Come, Wadleigh," at length said one
who had been his fathers business partner
aud who was respected and honored in all
the relations of life.
He took the protfered glass, looking, mean
while, steadily into the face OF one who had
before given him many "a word OF warning
and counsel The fixed gaze was in itself q
revelation. The old man realized the wrong
he had done, and that moment would have
bartered his entire fortune for the privilege
of living over again the last half-hour. lie
caught the hand OF Wadleigh Hoyt as an
empty glass was replaced upon the sideboard
and whispered hoarsey;
Come with me, Wadleigh."
" Thank you, but ! am engaged for the
present." was replied in an excited tone anC
throwing off the restraining hand, he turned
to meet "a former boon companion. Another
draught OF wine, and still another until the
demon had regained ascendency in his
bosom From the elegant mansion TO the
hardly less elegant saloon was an easy tran
sition. Those whom for short time he haC
torsaken welcomed him with demonstrativ,
gladuess, aud the night had nearly waneC
when he was carried to his home in "a stat,
OF Inconsistencies.
The next day. when he was in condition
to receive company, Mr.. llowde, who haC
tempted him, called, and with streaming
| eyes implored forgiveness for the sin whicl
| had been committed.
alt will be all the same in the end, st
there is nothing TO forgive" answered th
young man reckessly. 3" might have KEEP
my pledge week or month longer, but
should have been sure to break it sooner o
later. 1t was only question of time, 81
don't allow yourself to be unhappy becaus
you asked me to drink with you. | ough
to consider it an honor"
80 Wadleigh, Wadleigh you will breal
my heart, groaued Mr.. lIowde i'll an agon
OF grief
"Hedrs are of no consequence head
strong enough TO carry off large supplies O
wine and brandy without giving sign G
their weight, are what count in these days
You are fortunate, Mr. Howde, while ] al
one OF the most unfortunate of mortal'
But that is no reason why | should nc
have all the wine and brandy wish. al
peal TO you to say ii it is. You know it
the same wine aud brandy all the tim
There is no difference in the liquors. III
difference is in hediS."
Don't, Wadleigh, don't My punisl
ment is greater than ! can bear. Would I
God had died before | met you last eve
ing Not another drop of wine or brand
shall ever pass my lips. Come, sign
pledge with me, and then let us ask God
{ keep it,"
B ~ cannot, cannot" said Wadleig
( lloyt, quite overcome by the humility al
earnestness of his aged friend. "Don
blame yourself. AS for me, | cannot tt
what is before me-"
No more than this was conceded, and I
luctanty the visitor took his leave. ln h
u Office the morning paper lay upon his des
. aud as his eye rested upon the words wi
l. which commenced this article, he threw
IS from him with feeling of horror, so Iii
) mockery did it seem. Three months lat'
- when he stood by the open grave of Wa
3, leigh Hoyt, an accusing conscience arraign
- him as the murderer of one whose dea
e many mourned,
1t was not known that any other YOU
q man dated his downfall from the event.
=" when he had been royalty entertained wi
- choicest wines but in that day when
n secrets shall be revealed it may be that ey
\ saider record than | have made ava
our reading.
Are choicest wines necessary to royal
) tertainment If so, then God pity us, a
4. save US TO republican simplicity. Temp
a, ance AdpOcdie.