The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1880-08-12

found no difficulty in obtaining
work. But the vice Of intemperance
had SO strong hold on me that nearly
half my wages were squandered In
drink. Thus another year passed before
L had saved money enough to take me
out of the country.
at Last, however, was again prepared
to leave Cheyenne. As I stepped on
board the train that was to bear me
from the spot where I had suffered SO
much, heavy load seemed lifted from
my heart. I had not thought of visit
ing my boyhood's home. But now I
felt that I could not go away forever
without once more looking upon the
graves of my loved ones, without one
final view of the scenes I had loved so
well. The village which I yet called
home was situated near my line of travel.
As I approached the home station my
desire to stop increased. And 80, when
the train halted at the well.remembered
depot, I stepped from tho car, took the
stage. and in two hours was again in my
native town. was greeted cordially,
and yet I felt there was change. Many
of the friends of my youth had moved
away, others had died and those Who
were left had wives and families who
claimed all their love. NV widowed
aunt alone gave me a welcome that was
heartfelt and warm. Yes. there was ono
other. my cousin, beautiful girl whom
L had not seen since she was little
child. In her I found friend, such AZ
L never knew before. She was con-
versant with all the circumstances Of
my Life, and sympathized with me as
none other had ever done. Uncon.
sciously my heart went ont to her. and the
few days had purposed staying length
ened into weeks, and still fingered, I'M
willing to tear myself away.
[ knew my cousin felt a sincere friend
ship for me, but further than that I
dared not hope. She was so young, SO
beautiful, SO pure, it seemed to me i'm
possible she could ever look upon a
coarse, rough man like myself in any
more favorable light. Believing this. +
kept the true state Of my feelings Sc
cret from her, and tried hard to smother
the affection that would not be put
down;
l.
her if I could. So, at breakfast one
morning, I startled them by announcing
my intention of leaving them the follow
ing week. Ny aunt protested but l
listened in vain for any word of remon-
STRANGE from the one who alone might
induce me to remain.
L glanced across the table to where
my cousin sat. Her eyes met mine for
an instant-only an instant-and yet in
that brief time they told me more than
J had ever dared to hope. A few min
utes later I arose and followed her into
the sitting room, scarcely less agitated
than she. Leading her to sofa. sat
down beside her, and, still holding her
hand in mine, said
"Does not my little cousin wish ma
to remain?"
"0h, John, yon know do. Please
don't got!
and will you let me love you ii
stayS' x
So gently came her answer, and SO
bloomed the roses on her cheeks, that 1
knew she understood me, and, with a
wild, rapturous thrill of Joy, I claspeG
ker to my heart, and pressed kiss afte,
kiss upon her unresisti>g forehead.
My darling, my own precious dar-
ling and will you indeed be mine ?"
asked.
Then she gently disengaged herself
from my arms, and her beautiful brown
eyes filled with tears, as she replied:
"John, Igave you all my heart be-
fore you asked it, and yet am afraid
to marry you. I would be miserable ii
my husband should become drunkard.
Your habit of drinking is no secret, and.
when 1 asked you to stop, you refused.
And now"
"And now, Maud" I broke in, Il
will stop. You asked me for my OWL
sake to abstain, and I refused. For
your sake, I will do anything. Come
with me into the library, and will
write and sign pledge which you your
self shall witness. With your dear
name upon the paper. I know it never
will be broken.''
led the way, and wrote as follows
July 10, 1876.
thereby pledge my word Of honor to totally
day hence, forever. And solemnly promise to
keep this pledge inviolate, whether the hopes of
happiness, now so fondly cherished, be ever re-
allied or not JOHN r. WILSON.
",Will you write your name beneath
mine?" / asked.
She took the pen and wrote:
MAUD RIVERS.
"And now. my pet. will you trust me?
Will you give yourself to me without
reserve, and trust your happiness for
life to my keeping?"
For moment her eyes looked search
ingly into mine-our lips met in 4 lin
gering kiss. and was answered.
Reader, my story is finished. Thres
years ago we were married. Not cloud
has dimmed the bright heaven of our
happiness, and, if ever @ man might
venture to believe what he feels to be
true, then may I believe that no posi-
ble crisis can ever tempt me to violate
the pledge that won my wife.
L had it framed, and it now hangs in
my library, q continual reminder Of the
power of love, for by love I fell, and by
love was saved again.
MINNESOTA NEWS
The chinch bug has done some damage t. ths
wheat in certain localities but its ravages seem
to have been limited.