The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-06-05


"Well. what shall do?' at length he
said to himself. ''If l knew how much
owed Pd send it: but never mind, I'll 60
and pay her off, and have done with her. I"
When he entered the public-house, the
moment she caught sight of him, she put on
her best smiles, and said in the most pleas
ant way she could:
II am so glad to see you, John. We've
just tapped barrel of our best" Drawing
glass she added, II wish your opinion of
''No. thank you, 1 don't want any,"
said John; "I've come to pay my score,
How much is it?"
whats your hurry? Come. take a
glassp'
mo. not DROP" said John; II want to
be off,
We'll, will you have glass of something
short?"
mo! nor long either. Will you let me
know how much L owe yOu?" said John,
getting impatient, 'or I'll 60 without set
Ting"
''Ah! I see now that I've put my foot in
it, and offended you." said the landlady;
''come, do let us be friends once more"
''Not dram will take here or anywhere
else. if know it!'
But" said the landlady, IL don't like to
quarrel, especially with you; and as for the
cherries, why, was only joking. for Pve
kept them on purpose for you"-fetching
them out of the parlour: ''see, here they
are."
NO. thank you." said John. with a
smile; Il took your advice, and went and
bought sOme."
II don't like," said the landlady, as she
took up the money, Ito change this without
foCf hot mil
take?"
Nothing, say again." said John. TAX
ing up his change. he walked out.
''Well, 1 have made nice mess of it this
timew thought the landlady. IF ever 1
get caught again losing my temper, it shall
not be over such good customer. If it had
been one of those noisy fellows 1 shouldn't
have cared bit; but nice, quiet fellow
like John, who takes his glasses regularly,
and pays up so we'll every week! But I'll
look out. and lay my traps to catch him be-
fore long,"
He then hurried home, and reached it,
much to his wife's surprise, long before his
usual time.
John took his tea almost in silence, which
was so unusual that Mary was on the point
of asking him what was the matter, when
taking out some money he threw it in her
|
market soon, Mary?"
YES" said Mary; and she would have
added, ''and l shall be glad to go soon,"
but she had learnt that she must not say too
much on Saturday night; so she went to
put on her bonnet and shawl. On looking
at the money she was surprised to find
three or four shillings more than usual.
Being thrifty body, who knew how to
lay out money we'll, she quickly visited the
shops, and bought the things they would
want during the week; adding few COM
forts which the extra shillings enabled her
to buy.
Mary thought John quiet and dull, and
once ventured to ask him kindly whether
he was we'll. AS he said he was all right
she did not venture to question him any
more about it. thinking it best to wait.
John, not liking to return home sooner than
usual on the Monday night, went to Tenn
perance Meeting. When another Meeting
was announced the next evening, he decided
to go; and from what the speakers said. he
signed the pledge.
On the next Saturday, when John got his
wages, he felt thrill of joy run through
him. Looking at the sovereign and a half,
he said. 1T is many long day since L
could say both belonged to me; and I'll take
good care don't part with you unless get
plenty out of YOU"
Again he started home. Mary felt once
or twice on the point of saying how pleased
she was, but checked herself lest he might,
when giving her the money, stop some for
what she thought the last weeks mistake.
When he had nearly finished his tea. he
said, well, Mary. you'll be wanting to go
a-marketing directly, 1 suppose there's
your money" throwing it in her lap.
She felt as If her heart was ready to sink