The Arkansaw traveler., 1883-08-11
Matt Harriatt had his good qualities and was trying to do better.

AAS saS spASn4iu WOt tkIu1H, ana ms employer. Mir. Hilton who in the past had himself known the value of helping hand, and being one of the kindes, hearted of men, was now ready 10 help others-noting the change in Harriat, gave him the foremanship of the machine shops, with largely increased wages. The young man showed that he was sincerely grateful for all tha, was done for him. and tried hard to prove thz, he was worthy of confidence. All that lay in his power to do he did for the happiness of hiswife and child: and for months he was secretly saving that he might give the pale little mother a week a; the sea- side. He was ever seeking 10 show his love for both wife and child and the former seemed happier than she had been since the frs, days of her married life. She never told her little Joys and sorrows to any one. for unlike other women she had no conndents among those of her own sex; but all who knew her could see tha, into he. face hac come a look Of con- ;enanent and peace ,hat had long beer wanting. No woman who has drank deeply of the cup of sorrow and dis appointment can eser De truly happy :: she can only enjoy feeling of rest and oon;entnen,. winch IT comparison Is in- rri,eiy sad and pathetic Thus |: was with Mollie Hobart: She was happy now. but not in the iigh,-hear;ed. careless manner of her girlhood. Those who were hls f.iends-ln the w.:des: and sreest meaning of the magle word--were de- lighted al what they were pleased 10 call
 Mat; Harriat,'s reform His nome as- sumec IFS old air of cos:ness and neat ness he began to seek the society and friendship of . better class of men than those with whonl he had formerly mingled; and everything around him seemed in a high degree, bright and cheerful But
 His change for the better was no. lasting. When hs little one was abou, one year of age, the old lie slowly. d. mos, impercepu5Iy. oC; surrey, began 10 regain its influence over him. 4, first. the change was hardly noticed by those who watched him most closely. But. the lie of error which some men lead, IS from beginning ;o end. like the tiny rlll. which. when |, frs, leaves the spring among the hills is no, more than a foot in width and seemingly as harmless as it Is small. but which, as 1t flows along. lolns here and there with other iit;le streams. and every momen: gaining in volume and force, al last becomes ar angry torrent and sweeping all barriers from i,s path way, rushes headlong down the noun tain. carrying death and destruction with II. So i, was with Matt Harr,att his downfall was sure and speedy. when he again gave way before the forces of evil At trst 1t was only an occasional drink taken 10 quie: the urgings of a boon companion then q whole evening given 10 corroUsal and drink until. almost be- fore he himself was aware. he was far tar gone on the road to destruction Those who had been his s.ronges. friends. were chagrined and disappointed. h a few months. after i,eqaen; and warning .eprmands. he los; his position IS fore ilir. and VAS compelled ;o labo, as q common wotk,l in: :h:s made a5,-e III ore reckless ,han ever. and uesle-;Ing hts dc:les. he WIS discharged. Haflia:: swii..y followed me GowuwatG road Wi,hia few months | large par; 0: ,he: furniture was sold 4nl | smaller and cheaper house rented This they were IT e in tenement. Neariy all the husband received rom the work. which he a, times found to do. wen, 10 satisfy his ,hiis: 10, drink. His better nature of.en reoelled agains, the course he was pursuing but. the weak efforts which he made to throw of the clutches of the demon within, al- ways strong, bu, now grown into giant. were unsuccessful. and af,er every effort he tel, weaker. and sank lower than be- fore. Hts nights were spent in drinking and rlotlng. and h.s days in l.s,less loaf ins about the streets lie often wen, dirty and unshaven his dress grew ragged. and his waole appearance eloquent of the so..
 In her sirlhood Moihe Harria;, had been fond of painting, ard ar, and her fi,her, delighted al any signs of genius in his daughter. had encouraged her ln her tasks. Now taa. she was depending or her own eAer;ions for a livelihood. the uain.as she had received s:ooi her in good stead ; and withoc: rnuch difficulty she ob,ained work. as retoucher in a photographers es,a oi,shmen.. sorrow weighed heavi.y upon tae ii,;ie wife her deiica;e features aEG form. now sil lst.ly SSAN- SpNNC It~-Csy -. ACCp >-ICssD.. DsN she told her stset Q n, one. and trying to forge, aii. s:Tove ,o learn .he lesson of forgiveness ani love. ;o De learned fioin the pure. wh.:e pase .: inao-en: baby hood
 Though since the time she fed from his home. 10 marry the mar whom he fel, 10 be his ani he. inferior. Squire Hobart had never been heard 10 mention the name of his daughter. all who knew him could see ,ha, he had changed. He had suffered deeply. suffered with all the intensity of his strong nature; and the wild passion of sorrow. as i, passed over had lei; is mark heavily upon him. The three years that had passed since his daughters marriage had done the work of three times three. He no longer carried his head proudly cree, as of old; his quick. ringing sep had los, much of i,s elasticity; his tall form. once so strong and athletic. was now bowed and bent, and strangely graven lines of care could be seen around his tiyhfly