Connecticut western news., 1878-10-30

reproach struggled in his mind, as he watched his aged father steadily pursu. ing his wonted task. The latter feelings at length gained the mastery.
 "Rest yourself, now, father," he said, as the old gentleman paused from very exhaustion. ''Fear neither for my family nor my good name; for, with Gods help, both shall be cared for."
 "Bless you, my boy, bless you p wa, the agitated reply. "Your words give me new life. Be yourself again, Billy. The dark cloud is passing away"
 At the little cottage nothing was known of what had taken place. With her mind filled with her own sad thoughts, Lizzie noticed not the sounds that showed all were actively engaged at the shop. Her husband did not return at noon-and, indeed, she scarcely ex- pected him, for he was seldom with them at meals. She had lingering hope that he might come in the evening; but even | th1s was very doubtful. He heart beat | quickly, when just after the sun had sank behind the western hills, his step was heard at the door. The little ones clung to her dress as he entered, for they had learned to fear his ap- proach.
 "Are you not coming to see father ?'' he said, kindly. You are not afraid of me, Willie, my little man?"
 "Not tonight, father, replied Willie, boldly. "Come, sister, come to father he will not hurt us.
 Lizzie trembled lest the reply should irritate him but he only sighed deeply, and took the children in his arms with out speaking. With more cheerfulness than she had felt for months, Lizzie busted herself with preparations for the evening meal.
 'sFather tells me there is to be a famous lecturer in the village this even- ing," said William, as they took their seats at the table. "Can you go with me to hear him, Lizzie? Never mind the children" he added, as his wife glanced toward the little ones. "Sister Jennie has promised to come round and stay with them"
 "Then I will go with pleasure, Will, D replied Lizzie, and the untasted food stood before her, for she felt too happy to eat.
 "Take some supper. mamma" isped little Lizzie and Willie seconded the petition by saying:
 "Yes, mamma, take some supper Don't it make you glad to have father home with us. You always cry when he is gone."
 There were tears in Lizzie's eyes, now but a loving glance from her hus- band sent thrill of happiness through her heart, to which it had long been @ stranger.
 It seemed almost like dream to Liz zie, when she found herself actually walking through the little village of Rose Valley, leaning upon her hus- bands arm, for it was long since they had been seen together. She was silent, for her heart was too full to speak, and her husband seemed busy with his own thoughts.
 She was startled with surprise when she found the subject was temperance ; and she wondered, and would have given much to have known if William was aware of this before he invited her to attend. The speaker was an able one. Most eloquently did he speak of the mi, cries of intemperance, of the perfect thraldom in which it holds it's victim Admirably did he portray the home ot tae drunkard. The wretched wife ana miserable, neglected children. Then followed an earnest appeal to those he was addressing those in particular, who stood on the brink of the fatal l precipice, but who had not yet precip- itated themselves into the gulf below. Pause," he said, "pause, and while there is yet time, pledge yourselves, with the help of God, to shake off the yoke that binds you. Be true to your selves, and to the dear ones that gather around your household hearths."
 The pledge was produced, and old and young pressed forward to enroll their names, to be installed as members of the infant lodge of Good Templars. "Are there not more who should come?" continued the speaker, as the last signature was signed. "Are there not those who are still hesitatine between life and death? Remember, that this pledge binds you not to slavery, but 1t is the token of freedom"
 Calmly and deliberately William James, the Village Blacksmith, left hit wife's side and advanced to the table. There was a general murmur of pleasure throughout the assen ply, but Lizzi, spoke not, and, to all indifferent spectator, might have appeared un. moved. The name of William James was plainly and legibly written, the assembly dispersed, and each took his way to his own home, or jolned the numerous little groups who stood con versing upon the topics of the evening.
 As Lizzie passed out leaning on the arm of her husband, many a con gratulatory smile or kind shake of the hand was received, but apparently they were almost unnoticed. Not one worC was spoken until they were passing uk the shady walk to the cottage door. The sight of the house, with it's bright igh within, broke the spell, full realization of the change which might now take place came over her. The dark clouc had passed away, and her husband, tho father of her children, was restored tt