Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1880-01-01

Ner nina on ner WOTk, or on tne luIeT
esting book which lay before her
with its leaves freshly cut. ut il
certainly time he were home; he new
er remains out as late as this" sh'
thought, anxiously, as eleven struck
fro the little time piece on the man
tel.
A few moments more Of impatient
waiting, then step sounded on the
walk. Bertha turned, with a GLAD
smile Of welcome, which was quickly
replaced by a look of surprise and
alarm as John entered the room, and
tottering to the nearest chair sank
down IL on it. dis face looked pale
and CHASTITY in the ruddy frelight
and his whole frame shook and trem.
bled as with an ague chill
"Oh, John, what is the matter? Are
you SICK, DEAR cried Bertha, hasten
ing toward him. But he put up his
arm feebly, as if to keep her away.
Don't come near me, Bertha" he
said, hoarsely; II have that to tell
which will make you hate me, |
know"
John, John, are you mad? Don't
talk in this way. Nothing can ever
make me love you less, dear
Not when tell you that | have
disgraced my fair name-disgraced
you, Bertha? But, my child, am
frightening you with all this rambling
talk, he continued, noticing Bertha S
pale, anxious face. II will make my
confession at one; then udge me as
you will. After leaving home this
evening went directly to Simons and
collected my money, fifty dollars or
more; then, on my way down town, |
met two or three old friends, who
wished me a happy New Year, and
asked Inc to take social glass with
them. | did so, and soon our party
increased to five or six. Each new
h,,l k,> In l. ,ynTl
wishes, and stand a treat Of course
The night was cold, the roo II where
we were assembled warm and CHEEKY,
and the company lively, and-and'
Bertha, you can guess the rest,
II forgot the warm Greside at home,
and the dear little wife who was wait
ing for me there. | forgot everything
except the pleasure and excitement
Of the moment, and drank glass after
glass Of the frery liquid, until | was
on the verge Of lntoXicatlon. | knew
it the moment that | stepped out the
door into the cool air. | had stag
gered on but short distance when
heard quick steps behind me. |
turned, but not soon enough. | felt
a queer, stinging sensation in the
back Of my head, and knew no more.
When | came to myself | was lying
by the roadside. | was dizzy and
faint, but the blow which | had re
ceived had sobered me, and | knew
oven before | put my hand to my
pocket, that | had been robbed. |
had csrelessly displayed my money
at the bar, and some one bad followed
and taken it from me. II was all
gone, and Of course the means Of get
ting your little gift with it. came
straight home, deter mined to tell you
all, even if it should make you hate
me have disgraced you, Bertha"
John, interrupted his wife, "Don't
talk SO, dear. 1t is wrong for you to
speak such words. | pity you, my
poor darling, and honor You for ac-
knowledglng your error. 1t is a hard
lesson, John, but hope it will have
its good effect. Nov that you have
come to me for sympathy and help;
will you not acc, pt the advice | have
to offer, dear?'
"Gladlv, Bertha was the quick re
sponse.
Just then the little clock chimed
out twelve silvery strokes.
Listen, John said Bertha. "The
old year with all its cares and troub
les-and they have been few, thank
Heaven, compared with our. joys,
John-has vanished into the past. Tie
New Year is upon us. Let us begin
it rightly. You have agreed to accept
my advice, dear; then sign this pledge
which you have always scorned so.
Bring it to- morrow for a New Years
Gift, and | shall be the happiest little
wife in the wide world. Will YOU,