Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1883-08-09

happy on one tar day, ana her TREND
Minnie'S conversation did not enliven
her.
If [ were you," she exclaimed, II
would not marry John Harper | am
sure that he is dissipated. Last night
he gave champagne supper to the
boys, ard my brother George told me
that John went home quite intoxicated
/ suppose you have heard that his father
died from delirium tremens, and | am
sure that his son inherits his falling"
LeOnora was but II; yet although so
young she loved with all a woman's
strength and she would not hear her alb
sent lover condemned.
cit is despicable," she exclaimed,
''to traduce one who is not present to
defend himself. But it is base to malign
the dead"
excuse me-" was Minnie's farewell
speech, ''but [ think it only friendly to
warn you before it is too late. Do not
risk becoming a drunkard's wife"
Leonora shuddered as she listened,
for she loved with such devotion that
she was resolved to marry John Har-
per.
A gentle tap on the door interrupted
her reverie and Mrs. Harper stood by her
side.
Il have sad duty to perform" she
exclaimed. You can imagine how hui
initiating it is for me to condemn my
own child; but | cannot allow you to
marry my son without informing you
Speak no MORE" exclaimed Leo
nora. Il know all. The censorious
world would not allow me to remain in
ignorance of the fault Of the man love.
But yet will become his wife. l will
reclaim him and save him from his IA
thsr's fate
| As LeOnora ceased speaking John
entered the room; he had heard her last
words.
81 knew he exclaimed. ''that my
darling would trust me; and she shall
never have cause to regret her deyo-
tina.
A few years passed. Leonora mar
ried John Harper, and as yet had no
cause to regret her choice.
One fair evening she awaited her hus-
bands arrival home. A beautiful child
sat by her side; her long. golden curls
reached to her waist and her dark brown
eyes beamed with intelligence.
Mamma" she exclaimed, ''will pa
pa come home? Oh, there he is!' she
cried, as she heard footstep.
| In moment she was at the door and
soon returned with hcr father.
Le0nora glanced at her husband, but
| he could not meet the calm, truthful
eyes of his wife.
The mother silently led her little
child from the room. She soon return
ed; but the happy light had faded from
| her face.
"John," she said ''your mother called
me your guardian angel, for she said [
! had saved YOU from sin. She died hap
ply, her last words were: Thank
Cod that my boy is not drunkardn
! We have been married for five years,
and to-day, for the first time in my life,
/ blush to acknowledge you as my hus-
band. Your eyes shine with unnatural
luster, and your cheek is flushed from
the effects of drink"
''Leonora, forgive me! Trouble has
caused me to forget my promise. [
am ruined man. When | settle with
my creditors [ shall be penniless.
''Do not give way to despair, was
the response. 81 am rich in my own
right; [ was an only child, and my
father left me all his wealth. Every
| thing [ possess is yours"
"Oh, no." was the hasty reply. Il
will never touch q penny of your for
| tune, for | know wOman's nature and
1 am sure that you would lose all re-
| spect for me if [ were to become q de-
| pendent upon your bounty. / must
arouse myself, and begin the world
again.
But is it MANLY" she asked, ''to
! seek consolation from the wine cup? Do
not confuse your brain with drink when
! YOU require q clear mind, so that you
have strength to meet your troubles and
overcome them. You tell me" she con-
! tinued, ''that you would feel Inundated
if you were to accept pecuniary aid
from your wife, but are you not more
degraded when you compel me to teach
| our child to shun her father? This even
inc Blanche said: what is the mat
ter with papa?' I told her that you
were III; she asked to come to you,
but / had to refuse her request. My
darling is too pure and innocent to be
contaminated by drunken father S
caress. Oh, john" exclaimed Leo
nora, ''for the sake of our child, be
true to your promise and resist tempta-
tionn'
sIn future, was the reply, 'you will
have no occasion to teach my child to
avoid me. Tomorrow leave the city;
business calls me away
Weeks passed. Leonora had not
heard from her husband; she knew that
his affection for herwas sincere, and he
would not have neglected her if he were
not demoralized by dissipation.
One evening she sat alonein her desc
late home, almost heart-broken; con-
ISOLATION she had none; she had no con-
fidant, for she was too true woman
to disclose her husbands follies to the
world.
Her sad thoughts were interrupted
by knock at the door. A gentleman
entered the room. He asked Leo