Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-12-30

with his face hidden in his straw hat.
Ralph, what IL the matter, who is with
mamma ? ID II anybody that know p
'One question at time, Nab" an
swered Ralph, raising flushed damp
lace from his hat. awful warm isn't it
he continued, wiping his face vigorously
What was it. question No. or p who
Is with mamma Why fathers old friend.
Professor Lyons You remember him
don't you?''
20, yes. said she, then doubtfullv. ..but
don't be-is't he the leading Professor
in your University s''
NOW Miss Eve,-frIe to y0nr nature
don't stand very high in your estimation.
do l." catching quickly the implied doubt
in the girls manner. don't YOU remem-
Der that he is tn lecture over TO the vii
lage this evening. They'll have rare
treat anyhow for the old fellow is mighty
in his eloquence''
Let us go, want TO hear him. she ex-
claimed with enthusiasm.
Miss Mabel yer mother wants you and
Master Ralph ~ come TO dinner, the'r
waiting this long while" called the cook.
Its too bad" said Ralph. starting up,
land I'm nearly iamished too, strange
thing for student to forget his dinner OF
all things
Mrs. Pierce received the laggards with
some playful badinages and Mabel seated
by the side of the Professor. soon lost her
awe Of him. finding him to her surprise,
= most genial gentleman. whose wit and
hnmor was the life of the little party
In the affereoon Jim got out the big
carriage and .greys,' and as they rode
aohg. Mabel was never tired of pointing
out in her girlish fashion, the various
points Of interest or beauty, to one who
seemed so fully tie appreciate them.
On the way home the meeting of the
previous evening was alluded to, with its
object Of recognizing society for the
promotion of temperance. ''And o."
said Mabel, "Miss Moore sang such sad.
sweet song. the refrain has been in my
thoughts all day." and she sang:
1.-THE bird that fell With broken wing
Could not soar so swiftly or far again"
True indeed. exclaimed the Profess
sor, but sometimes the wing is only
clipped, and then time and growth restores
the powers Of fight perfectly" with an
expressive glance meeting Ralph's con-
scious eyes.
''DO you think they will succeed in their
obiectP" he asked. turning to Mrs. Pierce.
II hardly know" she answered. mot
having given the subject much thought.
hope they will" she added, $50 many
families about here would be benefited.
did you know, mamma" said Mabel,
''old MIR. Ascot signed the pledge last
night. and his son and our Jim. after the
meeting-lots of others too-and they talk
OF grand rally SATURDAY. evening.
Everybody is talking about it. o, I'm so
glad! Sadie Aickman ran over and told
me all about it early this morning. They
say that Mr.. Clemens and Mr. Backus are
terribly enraged." she continued, land
with their friends threaten to break up the
meeting''
20, dear" sighed Mrs, Pierce, IL hope
there will be nothing unpleasant. What
do Won think Of it all. Professor Lyons?"
Think" said he, "why. think the
minds OF the people are ripe for moral
revolution. The ripples of the tide are just
beginning to be felt. that i'm time will
gather volume and force sufficient to
sweep the drink-curse from our land.
would not like to stand in the place of
those who try to stay the progress of this
tidal wave. | speak warmly. perhaps,
because see so much OF its evil effects
among the young congregated in our uni
versities and colleges
Mrs. Pierce, who CHANGED Just then to
glance at Ralph, was surprised to see the
fash of crimson that swept over his face,
and for the first time the thought came to
her, can he he in danger? But no, she
would not shame him by such thought
He who had been so carefully trained to
despise as vice the least indulgence in
intOxicants.
All thought Prof. Lyons How little
do the friends Of those young men know
of the strong peculiar temptation that lies
in association, or they would tremble for
the future of those young. and in a great
measure, unguar,led minds
''What say, Ralph" said he placing his
hand on the young mans shoulder. as they
LEFT the carriage. Suppose we get out the
pledge tonight, after make my little talk.
You know. and you with the other young
men, sign it, just help these old fellows
ret on their feet. It's terribly hard for
them you know"
Ralph did not answer. and with a keen
glance at his face the Professor said no
more.
Wayland Hall was crowded that night
to its utmost capacity: and the audience
were by no means disappointed in their
anticipations. as the eloquent speaker
brought all the forces of science. cultivated
thought. sarcasm and wit to bear upon his
somewhat peculiar theme of Compare
tive Anatomy and Psychology relating to
man and the lower animals closing
with glowing picture of beauty in life,
and depth Of happiness secured by life
of strict morality and temperance and re-
questing MS special favor, that he might
be ALLOW ed to hear the song which he had
been told was sung the previous evening
by Miss Moore.
Then, as the word-pictures grew within
the framework of the sweet voice of tie
singer the audience rose with one accord,
thrilled to the heart. and by two's, by
three's. and then by tens, men pressed
forward to sign the pledge which the
Professor laid upon the table. with mute
sign which was well understood.
Ralph with n knot OF Young friends
looked on, but did not come forward,
much to the Professors disappointment.
We'll. Jim, how did you like the lee
ture ?" said Mabel. as she met him next
morning. when she went to visit Lightfoot
IN his stable COOKING like n nicfure with