Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1900-04-10

CHAPTER v.

Il
power. but this scene with his drunken
son crushed him for a moment ant
seemed to take the very soul out oi
him. Mrs Hardy at first uttered q
Wild cry and then ran forward and
seizing her elder boy. almost dragged
him into che house. while Mr.. Hardy
recovering from his 6rst shock. looked
sternly at the companions OF the boy
and then shut the door. That night
was q night Of sorrow in that family
The sorrow Of death is not to be com
pared with It
| But morning came. as II comes alike
to the condemned criminal and to the
pure hearted child on a holiday. and
after brief and troubled rest Mr.
| Hardy awoke to his second day. the
memory Of the night coming to him al
frst as an ugly dream. but afterward
| as a terrible reality. His boy drunk
He could not make II seem possible
Yet there In the next room be lay In q
drunken stupor, sleeping OF the effects
Of his debauch Of the night before. Mr.
Hardy fell on his knees and prayed fol
mercy. again repeating the words. al
| mighty God. help me to use the remain
ing days In the wisest and best man
ner" Then calming himself by ire
mendous effort he rose up and faced
the days work as bravely as any man
| under such circumstances could.
After a family council. In which all
Of them were drawn nearer together
than they ever had been before on ac-
count Of their troubles. Mr. Hardy out.
lined the days work something as fol.
lows:
First, he would go and see James
Caxton and talk over the AFFAIR with
him and Clara. Then he would &c
down to the Office and arrange some
necessary details Of bis business. II
possible. he would come home to
lunch. In the afternoon be would 80
to poor Scoville's funeral. which had
been arranged for o'clock. Mira.
Hardy announced her intention to 20
also. Then Mr.. Hardy thought he
would have a visit with George and
spend the evening at home arranging
matters with reference to his own
death. With this programme In mind
he finally went away after an affection
ate leave taking with his wife and
children.
George slept heavily until the middle
Of the forenoon and then awoke with a
raging headache. Bess had several
times during the morning stolen into
the room TO see II her brother were
awake. When he did finally turn over
and open his eyes, he saw the young
girl standing by the bedside. He
groaned as he recalled the night and
his mothers look. and Bess said timid
ly as she laid her hand on his forehead
George. I'm so sorry for you! Don't
you feel well?"
81 feel as II my head would split
open. 1t aches as II some one was
chopping wood inside OF IL.
What makes you feel soY' asked
Bess innocently. Did you eat too much
supper at the Bramleys'T
Bess had never seen any one drunk
before. and when George was helped tC
bed the night before by his father and
mother she did not understand his con
dtion. She had always adored her big
brother. 1t was not strange she had nc
idea Of his habits.
George looked at his small sister Gu
riously: then. under an impulse he
could not explain. he drew her nearer
to him and said:
''Bess. I'm a bad fellow. was drunk
last night. Drunk - do you under
standi And I've nearly killed mother"
Bess was aghast at the confession
She put out her hand again.
"Oh. no. Georger' Then with swift,
revulsion Of feeling she drew back and
said. How could you. with father feel
ing as he dOesT'
And little Bess. who was creature
Of very impulsive emotions. sat down
crying on what she supposed was a
cushion. but which was Georges tall
hat. accidentally covered with one end
Of a comforter which had slipped Of
the bed. Bess was very plump little
creature, and as she picked herself w
and held up the hat George angrily ex'
claimed
You're always smashing my things!'
But the next minute he was sorry fol
the words.
Bess retreated toward the door. Quiv'
ering under the injustice Of the charge
At the door she halted. She had some.
thing Of Clara's passionate temper, and
once In awhile she let even her adored
brother George feel It. small as she
was.
George Hardy. II you think more OF
your old stovepipe hat than you do OF
your sister. all right You'll never gel
any more Of my months allowance
And IL do smash your things | dom,
come home drunk At night and break
mothers heart That's what she's
crying about this morning-that and
fathers queer ways. Oh, dear. I dom,
want to live; life Is 50 full of trouble!
And little l2-year-old Bess sobbed In
genuine sorrow.
George forgot his headache minute
"Come. Bess, come and kiss and
make up. Honest. now. didn't mean
It ] was bad to say what did. III
buy a dozen hats and let you sit or
them for fun. Don't 60 away angry
I'm SO miserable"
He lay down and groaned, and Bess
went to him Immediately. all her anger
vanished.
''Oh. let me get you something to
drive away your headache. and I'll
bring you up something nice to eat
Mother had Norah save something for
you. Didn't you. motherT'
Bessie asked the question just ~ her
mother came In
Mrs. Hardy said ''Yes" and. going
up to George. sat down by him and
| iaid her hand on his head. a. his sister
had done.
The boy moved uneasily. He saw
the marks Of great suffering on biz
mothers face. but he said nothing "a
express sorrow for hls disgrace.
| "Bess. will you 90 and get George
his breakfastr asked Mrs- Hardy, and
the minute she was gone the mothsl
turnsd 70 har 20 and nd: