Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1882-08-26
TRUE TO HER 1'ROTB.
CHAPTER /.
BY PAUL PRYOR.
LED INTO TEMPTATION.

saw policeman leaving the house
as 1 was going by, Minnie, and l thought
l would drop in and ascertain the cause.
You have not been robbed, have you ?"
The speaker was Charles Marshall,
and the lady whom he addressed was the
young wife OF his brother, Richard.
Minnie Marshall turned a shade paler
as she heard the words of the speaker,
and for time she was unable to reply.
At last she summoned sufficient nerve
to enable her to do so.
"Dick was taken i'll in the street.
Charley, and the officer kindly helped
him home"
my brother i'll 1 must see him,
then. Where is he ?"
Lying down, Charley. Perhaps as
he is sleeping it would be better not to
disturb him. 1t is nothing serious, be-
lieve me-"
There was tremor in Minnie's voice,
and look of anxiety in her dark blue
eyes that did not escape the notice of
her listener.
He is in his room, Minnie, / sup
pose. know where it is and I'll go
there for a moment and look at him
without disturbing him."
"No, no Not now, Charley. Call
in tomorrow ON your way down town."
Needless of her request, he left the
hallway where this conversation had
taken place, and directed his steps
toward his brothers room.
Minnie Marshall followed with an
aching heart, wringing her hands to
suppress the agony which filled her soul.
The secret which she had kept locked
in her breast for months was to be un-
folded at last.
The suffering which she had patiently
endured, in order to hide her husbands
infirmity, had been for nought.
AS Charley Marshall entered the bed
room and gazed upon his brother, his
face became flushed with Indignation.
He was lying upon the bed, upon the
white coverlet, his feet still encased in
his muddy boots. He still wore his
clothes, with the exception of his scarf
and collar, which his wife had removed.
"Just as l expected, Minnie, Dick is
drunk-beastly drunk. A rumor of
this kind reached my ears some time
ago, but did not believe it. How long
has this been going on?"
never saw him so bad before"
$50 bad. You are evading me. You
cannot deceive me, Minnie. He was
not at the bank to-day and this after
noon received letter from the secre-
tary, informing me not only that he was
discharged, but that there was a deficit
in his account of five thousand dol
lars"
"Oh, Charley, can this be true p
cried Minnie, as she tightly clutched
her brother-in-law's hand and gazed
earnestly into his eyes.
True as gospel. l called at the bank
and paid the amount, for l feared that
il l delayed the story might get into the
newspapers.
He has disgraced you, Minnie he
has disgraced me. From this day,
henceforth, | cast him from me forever.
He is a scoundrel.
Don't talk so, Charley, l beg of
you."
"He is my brother, Minnie"
81 He is my husband, Charley
True, he IS your husband; but he
must not be so any longer; he is I'M
worthy of you. Cast him oil, Minnie,
or he will drag you down to his own
level. Leave his house at once and
come with me. / shall defend you from
the cruelty of the world as brother
should protect II sister. My mothers
arms will be opened to receive YOU"
% You are looking upon the dark side
of the picture, Charley. My husband
has an unfortunate, and at present, un-
comfortable appetite for drink. He may
reform. He may conquer his passion.
II l remain with him | can encourage
him. / can help him fight his battle.
If / desert him in this trying bour he
will be hopelessly lost"
She spoke calmly but with firmness.
Notwithstanding her words Charley
conld not fail to admire her devotion to
her life's partner.
While he stood thus gazing upon her,
the door-bell rang, and in a short time
the servant appeared at the door of the
room.
Your father has called to see you,
Mrs. Marshall"
"Take him into the parlor. Do not
let him come here at present." said Min
ME, III distracted manner. 1 will go
down stairs and see him there"
And / saved you the trouble, Min
ME; by coming up here to see you. How
do you do, my daughter ?-and you,
Charley ?"
He stopped and afrectionately kissed
her.
Her manner was constrained and ner-
vous, and as he gazed around the room
for an explanation of her conduct, his
eyes fell upon the sleeping form of
Richard Marshall.
With flush of indignation upon his
face, he walked to the bed side and
! gazed upon the face Of the sleeper.