The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1883-11-24
Saved From Dishonor.


was white with the SHOWS of many winters,
and her blue eyes were dimmed by the
sorrows of long life. She was sad and
solitary as she sat in her drawing g-roem ,eyi
IDENTIFY expecting an arrival. The door
opened, and tall, handsome man entered
the room.
John Harper glanced uneaslly at his
mother as he sank INTO a chair. Before she
could speak he exclaimed, "Read me no
lecture | know that | came home last
night and wns rather merry; in fact, was
,intoxicated; but, mother, remember I am
no longer a boy. am man thirty years
of age, and you cannot expect me to be re-
spousible 10 you for my actions. | met
some friends, and we had a champagne
supper to celebrate my engagement to
neonora Markham. and perhaps we all
drank moro wine than was good for u.s."
"My son." was Mrs. IInrpers reply,
Leonora is refined end iasiidious. 70 " u
think that she would be pleased If she heard
how you commemorated the happy event
Of your betrothal?'
Johns face flushed as he listened; but
with manlike obstinacy he would not ac
knowledge his err r.
"When you told me your engagement
she continued, Il was happy, for thought
you were worthy Of possessing un innocent
young wife. Proye yourself so by promis
ing mo never again to taste Intoxicating
liquor"
"Mo'her," was the reply, 81 will not
pledge myself to become teetotaller, for
have too much seIfrespect to degenerate in.
to sot."
"You have never known" said Mrs.
Harper, "but one parent your unhappy
mother. The memory of the dead should
be sacreij but, to save you, will reveal
your unfortunate iather's sin.
"My married life began under the most
favorable circumstances; but one evening
your father did not return at his usual hour.
At last heard footsteps. Presentments Of
evil made my heart sink. | opened the
door. To my horror, drunken man stag
ggred into the room.
az could not believe that contemplate
being was my husband. lie embraced me,
and for the first time in my life shrank
from his caress. He clusped me in his
arms, nd kissed me with maudlin affect ion
I felt degraded by his love, and pushed
him from me with disgust, Ny repulsion
drove hlm frantic. saw his arm upliited.
| lelt heavy blow. realized that was
a drunkard's wifei and then knew no
more, for became unconscious.
"That morning you were born. For
many weary weeks lay struggling with
death. was delirous. and did not know
that was n mother. When regained my
senses my first thought was of my unhap-
ny husband. glanced around the room,
but did not see the one looked for; |
only saw his heart broken mother, who sat
weeping by my bedside.
"she brought ou to me, aud folded my
arms around your tiny form.
"'My child she said, you have some
one yet to live for. Watch over your hoy
rear him to become an upright, honest
man, and above all, teach him to shun The
wine-cup, for that was his fathers curse
"'oh, mother,' was my reply, Il still love
ny husband, for he never was unkind to
me until that fatal night and then | am
sure that he was irresponsible, for he was
insane from drink. Call him to me, moth
eri | will forgive him all; will reclaim,
him, and we will again be happy
al received no reply. looked up, sud
hen l noticed that my mother in law wa,
dressed in deep mourning. l grasped hel
by the arm. Iimplored her to tell me what
bad happened.
"Then l learned that your unfortunate
father was dead After weeks OF dissipati 4
he had died miserable from the effects q
drink.
"Alter hearing the sad history of my life
l am sure that you will listen to youl
mothers warning. Promise me, implors
you, never to taste wine again"
The old lady's voice trelnbl,d as she spoke
and her mild blue eyes filed with tears.
"Mother," was the reply, al answer you
as did beforei have too much self-res; eel
ever to become a drunkard. You must trust
your boy. do not inherit the fatal appe.
lite of my latherj will proye myself
worthy Of your Affection
Leonora Markham was the peitied child
OF fortunei she had been LETT motherless al
an early ags, snd her father devoted bis lite
to h's child, indulgipE her IN every Wish