Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-11-07
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I on both sides, things were restored to their
usual condition, aud all appeared to 60 on
smoothly for few weeks.
S At the end of that time, Mr.. Norton said
he had invited several gentlemen to dine,
for whom he wished to have a handsome
dinner provided. No objection was made
and at the appointed time. the guests ar
rived, expecting TO fare luxuriously and
10 be agreeably entertained by their bright
and handsome hostess
But, to the surprise of all, and the dis
may OF her husband, she came in at the
last moment with reeling steps and an I'M
utterably PLEASED to see you. gemmen I!
Pleased to see you, gemmen.'' Seated at
the table, she ordered decanter of wine
to be placed near her. poured out some,
and with the most asinne smile, said !:
Take drink, gemmen?" Then she be-
gan to sing 'Fill high the bowl The
servants in attendance looked on with as
constituent. Mr.. Norton. who had been
hanging his head with shame, rose pres
entity, and drawing her arm within his
said You are not well. my dear. You
had better go to your room" She leaned
upon him, staggering, and laughed idiot
ically as she said, Il believe I'm-tipsy-
tipsyr'
1t is needless to say that the dinner.
though luxurious, was tedious to all par
ties, and that the guests did not linger
unnecessarily long.
husband and wife were very silent at
breakfast next morning but when he rose
to leave the house. she followed him into
the hall and said. Robert do you remem-
Der the condition to which you agreed
when promised to marry you?"
lie c0lored crimson. and replied, Eyes.
But don't do it again, Loolie. 1t seems
too dreadful in a woman a0 r.
If it pains you to see me degrade my
SELF, she rejoined, don't you suppose it
pans me to see YOU degraded ? Oh. Rob-
ert, If You have any love tor me, do resist
this dreadful temptation. for my sake, and
for the baby's sake. Never taste another
drop Of Intoxicating liquor, and never
have any Of it in the house."
He hesitated moment and then said:
''lwill never drink another drop; but
how can help Offering it to guests? 1t is
the universal custom; and not to do it
would seem mean and inhospitable'
"Kobert, you are brave man in most
things "ehe replied. al A%0
Have you not the courage to say, I am
conscious of a weakness about wine, and
l am resolved neither To lie tempted N.Y.
self nor to tempt others, by having it
Fabcdk P lt seems to ne that good men
wShh respect the magly frsnkness Of such
an avcwa1; and as for those who seek
Your company for the sake of your wine.
the loss Of their Intimacy would I've rather
gain. Nobody will suspect you of mig
gardly motives, for you are known to be
generous even 10 layishhess. Besides
you can prove your hospitality in other
and better ways. And, Robert. by pursu-
ing this, course you may he the means of
saving others from the snare which proves
so dangerous to- yourself You may not
only save your own wife and child from
shame and ruin, but other women and
children may have reason to bless You. |
would be for our dear boy 10 be ashamed
Of his father.'' ir
She paused, and he said. with a good
deal Of emotion, - oolie, I have promised
you never to taste another drop, and this |
time Twill keep my promise; so help me
God?p -. a.
''He will be more sure to help you. if
you never have have it in the house." she
rejoined.
a. be- remained silent and downcast,
she stopped and peeped up into his face,
Is she said playfully, They will lay the
blame on me, dear. They will say that
you are afraid 10 trust your wife in the
house with it; and l am willing to be the
scapegoat." o
He looked up with smile, as he an
sweredi "You have conquered. Every
thing that intoxicates shall henceforth be
banished from the house. But, Looie.
that was dreadful lesson YOU gave me.
twould be swiftly hazarylousl ior you to
carry out that pledge of yours IL am
glad Won are aware Of the hazard of be-
ginsings,neshe replied ''for tho hazard
IL much greater to you than IL would be to
me; because you like the mischievous
stuff; and l do not" She placed her
ehend affectionately on his shoulder,as she
ssdidss.1 va not SO much intoxicated as l
seemed, dear. am so unused to wine,
that a very little upsets me. am some
thing Of an actress, Won know but if you
keep your promise, will never perform
in that character again.
He repeated his promise with a kiss.
.anths never afterwards broke his word.
I'll Mdrin aChsla ess -