The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-08-12
THE TURNING POINT.

"Now, Donald, l doubt but you are
fooling. No wife would do that for q
man, no matter how much she thought
OF him."
The young man addressed sprang up
from his seat.
go with me, James. and you, too,
Lawrence King, and I'll prove the truth
of my words. If Mary lie Brun does not
checrfully get us up a supper fit for
prince ut my asking-late though it be
you may set me down for a conceited
idiot
'.All right. Won go. And if the
mistress does as you say, she's an angel;
and such an exacting man as you are is
not worthy of her."
The speaker was Lawrie King, fine
manipulating fellow. whose face would
have been pleasant to see had it not car
ried upon it the traces of dissipation.
The three were boon companions,
and had been since their boyhood
am sorry TO say that the innocent fun
and mischief of that time had degen-
: eEated into card-playing and fondness
for the intoxicating cupi in their maturer
years.
Donald lie Brun was the only one of
the three who had married. As is often
the case, he had won the heart of girl
who deserved a better fate. She was
pretty and capable" as the ncighbors
called it, and managed her dairy with
prime success. Her butter and cheese
always commanded the highest market
price.
Through all of Donald's excesses she
had never given him an angry word;
and he had even now been making the
boast that, late rs it was. if he went
home and asked her 10 cook a fine meal
for him, she would do it cheerfully.
The young men were all in that con-
viyial state when reason has not her full
sway, and anything strange or improb-
able takes the fancy.
They at once caught at the PROPOSE
ton, and went with Donald to his home.
1t was some two miles distant, and they
made the cold frosty air ring with their
hilarious mirth for a time.
Then Lawrie and james began to feel
u'-5asy and ashamed ut the thought of
their errand. and they tried to disslIade
Donald from it; but his pride was
aroused. He would not hear of a re-
treat, and being the stronger nature he
carried his point.
His wife came to the door. She look
ed at him doubtfully, evidently fearing
to find him in the maudliu state which,
alas! was too often his condition.
Her face frightened suddenly when
she heard him say in his natural tone
of voice:
well, Molly, here am. The bad
penny back again. and two others to
keep HIM company"
At this rather ambiguous introduce
tion, Lawrie and James bowed shame
facedIy, and Mrs. LIE Brun said pleas
anLly:
Il am glad to see you. Come in"
THAT we will, Molly, if you'll prom
Use TO get some supper. I'm hungry rs
bear. Tell Jane to hurry up the fire."
Jane has gone to her mothers for
the evening; but will get your supper,
Donald"
"All right Hurry up. Come, boys.
let's have a game of dominoes while
we're waiting"
AS Mrs. LIE Brun left the room, Don
aid turned to his friends triumphantly:
81 told you so. That girl would go
through fire and water for me; and un-
complainingly, too"
"a tell you what. Donald" said Law
rie, ''the shoe ought to be on the other
foot If had wife like that"
''Wait till you get one. and then
PREACH" said Donald laughingly; but
something in his tones warned Lawrie
to say no more. and they were soon en-
crossed in their game.
An hour soon passed by before Mary
Le Brun came in.
Come, Donald, all is ready" she
said pleasantly, and led the way to the
kitchen.
1t was an immense room, with hugo !
cavernous fireplace, in which some logs |
were sending out cheerful light, as
they snapped and cracked in consum- |
ing. Suspended from the beams were
tlitches of bacon and noble-looking |
smoked hams. All round gave evidence
of careful industrious housewife.
The table, too, was covered with |
snowy linen cloth of Mary's own spin
ming and weaving; and on it was a
dalntily prepared repast. Everything |
was perfect in its way, from the crisp !
green of the pickles.
Mrs. lie Brun poured out cup of
fragrant Mocha for each of her guests,
and then seated herself Mt convenient |
distance with her knitting.
For time little was said as the tempt |
ing yiands disappeared. Then Donald
called OUT
Cups are empty, Moll."
And his wife came and refilled them.
Lawrie was the most impulsive of the |
party, and many thoughts had seethed |
through his busy brain as he sat at the |
table.
Now, as he looked at the comely face !
of the hostess, he saw traces of sadness |
upon it, underlying all its studied cheer |
fulness of expression. He said sudden
ly, not stopping to think whether or not |
Donald would be pleased:
What makes you so kind and palms. |
taking, Mrs. lie Brun? There isn't one |
woman in a thousand who would do as
you have this evening, and. to tell the |
truth. didn't believe it of you, or l |
wouldn't have come here and sanction
ed putting you to SO much trouble. | |
Just wanted the fun of seeing Donald's !
boasts about his wife come TO nothing"
Donald's eyes flashed fire at this
speech. He half-rose from his chair. |
but sat down again, evidently putting
strong restraint upon himself.
Mary looked at Lawrie in surprise as
he spoke, and smiled family, apparent
ly thinking reply unnecessary. But
Donald spoke up suddenly:
Speak out, Molly, and satisfy the fel-
low What does make you so willing
to do anything that your wild Donald
asks of youp'
Mary flushed painfully at his words.
She had been brought up in simple
faith, wherein an evasion is considered !
a lie. A question put directly to her
she felt compelled to answer truly.
whether 1t should occasion nleasure or