The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1891-08-28
TEMPERANCE NOTES.
RLOSSY'S VICTORY.

a heavy fall as the day closed in.
Mrs Arnold came up from the barn,
where she had been giving the last
whisp of hay to her one milch-cow,
with a small pail in her hand. A little
fairy of child, with sea- blue eyes and
sunny hair, met her in the doorway
Wont you give me just little mite
o drink, mammal" she said, coaXing-
ly; I'm ever so hungry, and Brindie's
warm milk is so nice"
Yes, darling, replied the mother,
putting down the pail, and going to the
cupboard for a cup; ''poor Brindie is
short of food, and can't give much this
bitter weather, and papa will come
home hungry by and by, but Blossy
shall have little drink"
She poured out few spoonfuls,
which the child swallowed eagerly.
''How nice!" she said, smacking her
rosy lips ''Oh, mamma, do you re-
memb Der how we used to have SO much
milk, and nice white bread and butter,
too; when papa used to come home
early, and not-not-" She paused,
stammering and confused for mo-
ment, then with tears yelling up in
her large, solemn eyes, she asked: "Oh,
mamma, what does make papa spend
all his money at the tavern, what
makes him get drunk?"
''Hush, Blossy, hush," cried the
mother-in terrified whisper; you
mustn't say that about papa never
again. Papa is good to you, and loves
you. Never say that AGAIN"
mo, ma'am," responded Blossy, and
looking reproved and penitent, she
crept over to the lounge where an old
doll lay all bundled up in bits of cali
co and flannel. She took it up and be-
gan to pet and caress it, as she al
ways did in her moments of childish
trouble.
Poor Dolly, poor Dolly" dropping
tears and kisses on its faded face, are
you ever SO hungry, too? Does your
Brindie COW only give a mite o milk,
and your papa go to the nasty tavern
and spend all his money? I'm sorry for
you, poor Dolly"
The sound of bitter sobhing from the
adjoining room arrested her attention.
1t was her mother weeping as if her
ilN al NOulN bICdh n DIdNCs nOIlclll
little woman, for the most part. who
bore her sad life with accomplishing
patience. But at times the strongest
hearts give way, and in the face of the
dreary winter storm, without food or
fire, and her husband spending his daily
syages at the dram-shop, poor Mrs. Ar
mold was as weak as a babe
BloSsy listened to her mothers sobs
with wide, grave eyes and quivering
lips.
Dolly" she whispered at last, the
rosy mouth close to the dolls face, a
sudden resolve thrilling through her
sweet voice: Dolly, can't we do some
thing-you and me, Dolly? We must
try: Door mamma mustn't cry like that.
Come, Dolly, you won't mind the snow,
will you?"
She caught up little red hood and
huddled it over her bright head, and
hugging the old doll close against her
brave little heart, went out into the
darkening storm.
Through the gate, down by the barn
where Brindie was munching her last
feed of hay, across the bleak common,
into the broad highway-never paus-
ing, never faltering, though the pitiless
winds faced her and the white snow
covered her like a garment
At the door of the country tavern she
paused to take breath.
Warren Arnold sat within in a warm
corner with a mug of hot liquor before
him and half dozen boon companions
at his elbow.
The little snowy figure and white,
wistful face rose before him like
ghost He bounded to his feet in amaze
ment.
Good heavens, it's Blossy. Why,
child, what's the matter at home?"
Blossy quailed for a moment, and
then she stood up, strong in her pur-
pose facing the cruel eyes that gazed
upon ner.
'Nothing'S the matter, papa" an I'M
utterable pathos in her young voice,
''only poor mammals crying, and there's
no fire, and no bread, and-and-Blos-
sy's ever so hungry; and, papa love,
won't you please come home, and never
come to this nasty tavern again."
The man had heart, and the child's
appeal went straight to its core A
sudden thrill of emotion half sobered
him.
by George! I will" he replied,
crossing to her side. 'Come, Biossy!"
He caught her hand, and drew her
after him out into the thickly falling
snow. Half dozen yards and she
looked up timidly to his face.
Are you very angry, papa?" she
faltered. Don't scold Blossy. 1t was
so cold, and mamma cried so. that | |
took Dolly and came. You won't scold
Blossy?"
For answer he caught her up. and |
covered her face with tears and kisses. |
"No, Blossy, l won't scold," in a |
hoarse, cholled voice: land by Heavens |
help you shall never come on another
such errand. Come, let's go to your
mother nOwr'
mo, papa" looking up solemnly |
through the drifting flakes; there's |
something you must do before we go |
to MAMMA. Will you, papa, lovc?"
YES, Blossy, I'll do anything you
say"
Then come across to Mr.. Thorn
tons, and sign the pledge. That's
where the men go to do it; and there's