West Virginia freeman. (Parkersburg, W. Va.) 1881-1886, 1882-02-22

laid down the glass. His hand
shook in doing so, and the red
overlooking wine that sprinkled
in his hand seemed to his over
heated imagination like drops of
life blood.
Excuse me, boys, l cannot
drink tonight" he pleaded.
"Ah! child, one glass cannot
harm you," laughed the half intox-
icated youth at the head of the
board.
Don't tease the boy" cried the
would be wit of the company in
tones of mock sympathy. aHis sis
ter's apron string is tightening
around him"
Amid the laughter that followed
this last sally Kent drained the
glass. 1t was speedily retilled while
shouts of applause rang round the
table. One glass was sufficient to
heat his excitable nature. Lila,
home, good resolutions and inhu-
ences vanished, We're lost and for
gotten in the hours of revelry that
followed.
On the fifth night of his absence
he returned home sober and repent
ant. 1t was now past ten o'clock;
he had waited till he thought that
the family had retired, so that his
sister alone should see him and
hear his words OF regret Sweet
Lila" he thought, will plead for
me tomorrow a-aG.a 1r
Though he relied so confidently
on her tender aid, yet he fingered
on the steps, ashamed to meet her
whose trust he had betrayed. n4
At last he rang timidly for admis-
sion, failing to notice, so agitated
was he, the emblem of woe that
draped the bell-handle. All, how
many faint rings had Lilla's ear
alone heard, to be responded to by
the loving heart that now was 81
lent forever. No more would the
little feet trip lightly down the
stairs-no more the rosebud lips
part to give him fond welcome.
at shall be the last time" He
spoke half aloud in a voice that
seemed filled with tears. "Heav-
en- help mel l shall drink no
more" .. ..-..... ...
For the first time he felt humili-
ated at his fall in that swift mo-
ment's repentance he loathed the
very recollection of the hours lost in
dissipation. "Never again." he
murmured resolutely, "never again
shall so debase myself, Lila, dar-
lingp
He turned eagerly as the door
opened expecting to see the sweet
face of his sister His father, pale
and stern, stood before him, holding
a lighted taper.
$50 you have come home at last,
sir! Walk up stairs -this way"
How strangely cold grated the
unhappy parents voice on the ears
of the returned prodigal.
Father, forgive me-this is the
laSt tlme-
He broke down awed by the look
of contempt and anguish that was
his fathers wordless reply. Waving
his hand for Kent to follow, Gregg
ry passed silently on.
Was this turning point in the
wretched youths life F? Never before
had he asked his stern fathers for
giveness; but unlike the prodigal of
old he gave not voice to the true
contrition that swayed his soul, for
has parent was not moved to COM
passion" at the first words of his
son.
Up the winding stairs they went
together, the father leading the
way to Lilla's chamber.
Enter" said Gregory, opening
the door of the silent apartment. A
faint fragrance foated out of the
dimly lighted room. Another mo-
ment and Kent stood with clasped
hands in the center Of the chamber
gazing on all that was mortal of the
darling of the household.
There she lay robed in white, on
her blossom-strewed bed-her gold
en- hair streaming over the pillow
her hands folded on her bosom
and smile on her lips seemed to
welcome back her brother.