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

Mr.. Hardy looked George full In the
face, and the young man stammered;
"Well-I-ab-yes-I-don't Just un-
derstand"-
AT the same time" went on his IA
tber. II realize that nothing but con-
viction OF reality could produce the
change In me which you and all the
rest OF the family must acknowledge
has taken place. And you must con-
fess that am acting far more ration
ally than did before my dream occur
red. II is not natural for q father to
neglect his own children. and ] have
done II. n is not rational that he
should spend his time and money and
strength on himself so as TO grow In
tensely selfish, and | have done that
My son, you may doubt me. but am
firmly convinced that | shall not be
alive here after next Sunday. | am
trying ~ live as | ought TO live under
those conditions. Ny son." Mr.. Hardy
spoke with dignity and a certain Inn
preston which George could not but
feel. Il want you to do as you know
you ought 10 do under the circum-
stances. When | am gone. your moth
er and the girls will look TO you for ad-
vice and direction. You will probably
have 10 leave college for little while.
We viii talk that over this evening.
But want you TO promise me that you
will not touch another glass OF liquor
or handle another card as long as you
live"
George laughed little uneasily and
then lied outright: Il don't see the
harm OF a game once in awhile just for
fun. | don't play for stakes, as some
fellows do"
George" said his father, looking at
him steadily, you have not told the
truth. You were gambling only few
nights ago IL is useless for you 10 de-
ny il. That is where the very liberal
allowance / have given you has been
squandered."
George turned deathly pale and sat
with bowed head while his father went
on almost sternly: Consider your
mother. George. whose heart almost
broke when you came in last night
don't ask you 10 consider me. have
not been to you what father ought TO
be. But II you love your mother and
sisters and have any self respect left
you will let drink and cards alone
after this. In the sight OF God, my
dear boy. remember what he made
you for. You are young. You have
all of life before you. You can make
a splendid record IL God spares your
life.
Il would gladly give all ! possess 10
stand where you do today and live my
lie over again. can't do II. The
past is lrrevocable. But one can al
ways repent George. believe me, your
mother would rather see you in your
coffin than see you come home again as
you did last night. We love you
Mr. Hardy. proud man that be was,
could say no more. He laid bis hand
on the boys head as II he were
young lad again and said simply,
Don't disappoint God. my boy" and
went out. leaving his son sitting there
almost overcome by his fathers pow
erful appeal. but not yet ready to yield
himself TO the still small voice that
spoke within even more powerfully
and whispered to him: MY son. give
me thine heart. Cease TO do evil; learn
to do we'll Cleanse thy ways and fol-
low after Righteousness"
IL was O'Clock when Mr. Hardy
came down stairs, and as he came into
the room where Mrs. Hardy and the
girls were sitting he happened 10 think
OF some business matters between HIM
self and his only brother, who lived In
the next town, 20 miles down the road.
He spoke Of the matter 10 Mrs.
Hardy. and she suggested that VIII 20
down on the O'Clock train with the
papers Mr.. Hardy wanted to have his
brother look over and come back or
the @ o'clock in time for dinner.
Clara asked II she couldn't go. too,
and Bessie added her request. AS she
had not seen her aunt for some time.
Mr.. Hardy saw no objection TO their
going only be reminded them that he
wanted them all back at @. Alice vol
unteered TO amuse George at home
while all the rest were gone, and Mr..
and Mrs. Hardy departed for the fu-
neral, Mr.. Hardy's thoughts still abb
sorbed for the most part with his older
boy. Clara had asked no questions
concerning the interview with James,
and her father simply stated that they
could have a good talk about IL in the
evening.
The tenement at No. 7G0 was crowd
ed. and in spite OF the wintry weather
large numbers Of men and women
stood outside in the snow. Mr.. Hardy
had ordered his sleigh, and he and bis
wife had gone down to the house In
that. ready TO take some one 10 the
cemetery.
The simple service as II began was
exceedingly impressive TO Mr.. Hardy.
Most OF the neighbors present looked
at him and his well dressed wife In
sullen surprise. She noticed the looks
with q heightenlng color. but Mr.. Har-
dy was too much absorbed In his
thoughts OF what he had done and left
undone In this family TO be influenced
by the behavior Of those about him.
Mr.. Jones offered prayer for the
comfort OF God TO rest on the stricken
family. He then read few words
from Johns gospel appropriate to the
occasion and said few simple words,
mostly addressed TO the neighbors
present. The poor widow had been re-
moved to n small room up stairs and
lay there cared for by the faithful sis
ter The minister had nearly conclud-
ed his remarks when voice was heard
In the room above. voices expostulat-
ing In alarm and growing louder, fol-
lowed by rapid movement In the mar
row ball above. and with scream OF
frenzy the wife rushed down the stairs
and burst into the room where the dead
body Of her husband lay. She had sud.
denly awakened out OF the faintlng
stupor In which she had been lying
since her husbands death and realized
what was going on In the house with q
quick gathering Of passion and
strength. such as even the dying some
times are known to possess. She had
escaped from her sister and the neigh
Dor who were watching with her and,
crazy with grief. flung herself over the
o,,l 1,tt In