Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-10-13
The Two Paintings.

u IalT young glrl $1,000 before tne glass In
her own pleasant little room, giving the last
touches to her toilet. That was the first
party of the season, and perhaps Emma
might be excused if she fingered little
longer than usual, smoothing once again her
dark brown hair and adjusting the soft
folds of her beautiful dress.
"Come Emma" called her mother at
length; 81 am afraid that you forget that
Mr.. b is waiting for you"
No. Emma had not forgotten, as the rosy
blush that stole across her cheek testified
| Her last thought, as she stood smiling at
the reflection in the glass, had been "This
is the color which he likes am sure he
will be pleased"
Quickly she hurried down stairs, and af-
ter playfully excusing her delay, while the
deep flush deepened at Mr.. BIS evident ad-
miration, she turned TO her mother, saying !:
81 believe | am ready at last"
Take good care of yourself, darling"
said her mother, as she wrapped warm
shawl around her slender form, and don't
stay very late"
Their destination was soon reached, and
as the young man moved through the bril-
liantly lighted ROOM many glance of ad-
miration was cast at his companion, and
more than one of his friends whispered :
flames is lucky fellow; I'd give great
deal to monopolize Miss Emma as he does. "
The evening sped joyously on, and at
length, toward its close, refreshments were
handed around. Mr.. B. was standing lit
tie apart from Emma, who was the center of
a laughing group of girls, when the lady of
the house, with a smile, offered him glass
of wine.
"No, thank YOU never drink it," was
the reply.
Pshaw what nonsense I" she returned
no one has refused this evening, and don't
intend you to be the first. Come, just one
glass; it can't hurt anyone"
a cannot do it," he answered, gravely,
"for / have determined never to taste
a drop"
"Come here, Emma" called the lady. " /
want you to coax this obstinate young man
to take glass of wine / know he will not
refuse you"
Emma took the glass in her little white
hand, and with smile which few could have
resisted, said "Come, James, you will take
just this one glass ?"
"No, Emma" he said, with powerful eff
fort, al have made mp my mind, and you
must not ask me to change it,"
"Then you shall not accompany me home
tonight, Mr.. b." said Emma, with an angry
flash Of her dark eye. "Now take your
choice"
"l must bid you, goodbye, then, Emma
if it comes to that" he said, sorrowfuly
81 would gladly do anything else for you
but that ! cannot do"
"Never mind, Emma, | will see You home,
said young man standing near whose
flushed face betokened that he had taken
more than one glass. "Let him 90, the i'll
natured fellow"
So saying, he offered his arm, which
Emma accepted, and they moved off to
gether
More than ten years had passed away
Mr.. b. was married and established in 9
prosperous business, and by degrees the in
cdent of his parting with Emma was al
most forgotten.
One day man, with whom he had 8
slight acquaintance, came into his store and
asked for employment.
"I'm afraid can't give it to you, Nor
ris," was the answer. al make it a rule
never to have any one in my employment
who is Incorporate"
But | mean to stop all that, Mr.. b.
said the man, earnestly. 81 have made VI
my mind to stop drinking entirely. 1t il
rather hard not to give man a chanc,
When he wants 10 REFORM.
"Well," said MIR. b., partially relenting
81 will try you; come into the back par
of the store, and | will give you some work.
bundle was soon made up with which
Norris departed. Several days elapsed, anl
the work not being returned, Mr.. b. sent t.
his residence to ask the reason.
Alas it was the same old tale of sorrow
The husband and father had gone on
| 1rn,Ea,, frniio N a. 4 Al.
starving children.
Mr.. BIS generous heart prompted him t,
go to their relief at once. He entered tn,
miserable dwelling, and found the sicl
woman lying in a room almost bare of fur
niture; while the children, sitting on thu
floor by the bedside, were crying for bread
A few kind words and promise of some
thing to eat soon dried up their tears and
Fastening to the grocery, he returned will
an ample supply which he broke among tn,
furnishing children.
While he stood smiling at their delight
the mother burst into tears aud exclaimed:
"Mr. b., can you forgive me :"
"What do you mean ?" he asked in aston
ishment.
"Don't you remember Emma +. ? Dom
you remember my offering the wine at tn,
party, and your refusing it God knows
| wish could forget it; but it seems as i
it were branded on my heart in letter
of fire.
1t was some moments before Mr. b. coulC
realize that the miserable creature befor,
him was indeed the bright, fascinating cir
from whom he, too had parted SO man,
years before.
"Poor Emma, how you mnst have suf
fered !" he said compassionately.
ado you forgive mel Z" she asked, anx
iously.
Certainly; say no more about it. Yol
must not stay in this wretched place. i
your mother livingP"
Yes, sir; in the country"
"Would you like to so back to her will
the children 2"
ayes, sir; but have no MEANS" she an
swered, sadly.
ado not trouble YOURSELF" said Mr.. b.
"as soon as you are sufficiently recovered
will take care of that part of the undertak
ing. Let me know il there is anything els
! can do for you. No thanks" he added, a
the woman commenced a grateful acknowl
edgment, "good-by."
This was the second parting.
Young ladies, you who are accustomed I,
press your gentlemen friends to partake o
wine pause now, and ask yourselves tn,
| uupst ion whatner Won ara urana rad for IN,