The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1905-08-31

bout it, old mar-don't you think she's
mighty par-tic'lar:'
What about:' asked the deacon,
hush!ly.
Bout NE an my in'cent :n-dul-
gences."
The old man made no answer. His
ileart was too heavy for speech. lie
had hoped to find his daughters hus'
band all that could be desired; and how
had his hopes fallen!
But I'll tell you. old man. there'll
be an uncommon time tonight. You
see she's lookingfor her folks-straight'
laced set-and she's 'fraid won't
make spectacle 'pearance-don't you
see? But let 'em rip. I'm my own
boss yet. old man. and don't care a
snap for their silver weddings, nor
their 'spect either. don't you see:
Strai isht-laced set; very narrow-mind,
ed. YOU see.'
When they reached the house occu-
pied by Lenoir the deacon followed his
son-in-law up the steps.
"Going in. old man? Well, do
know as I'd better let you. You don't
look ex-exactly spectacle, you see, and
Lou'll scold and 'cuse me of 'sociating
with old ragmufins; so you see 'taint
convenient. Come down t. the inn
t'morrow night, and I'll be there.
You're brick-you are" .
| Notwithstanding this the deacon was
close upon Vincent's heels when he
opened the door and appeared in the
presence of his wife and her relatives.
Louisa, too overwhelmed with morti-
fcation to utter word, sank down in
a chair in a corner of the room. The
| intoxicated husband took no notice Of
the strange faces before him. Turning,
he pushed a chair toward the deacon.
with:
"Sit down, old brick, an make your
self at home. I'll let Lou know t I'm
gov'ner herev'
The brothers and sisters Of the hu-
inflated wife had risen from their
seats and stood around in silence.
Presently Vincent's eyes lit upon Mrs.
Newcombe's face. The old lady was
holding the baby in her arms. but no
one save a man in his condition could
have mistaken her wrinkled face for
that of his young wife.
He went up to tie deacon's wife and
clapped his hand on her shoulder.
"Glum as ghost, eh? But you see
I'm gov'nor here. in'pendent s king
on s throne;" and he made flourish
with such force tha5 he well-nigh lost
his balance. Settling his hand again
upon the old lady's shoulder, he low
cred his face till it almost touched
hers. "D'ye see that old chap sitting
there peac'ble s a Quaker? Well, he's
friend of mine. I want him treated
'th proper 'spect, or I'll 'venge m'self
b. coming home in 'stonishing state Of
el'vation when your str'sraight-laced
folks are here"
At this juncture he beheld himself re-
fccted in a large mirror. Instantly
striking a pugilistic attitude, he de-
manded:
"Who are you. gaping ut gen'man
in that style, an haven't the manners
to take off your hat? I'll let you know
I'm boss here"
The drunken man executed second
flourish with his arms high in air and
fell upon the floor. in his rapid descent
nearly knocking his .mother-in-law off
her feet. The deacon seized his hat
and overcoat. At signal from him
the others got their things. and then all
slowly filed out Of the house. The
mother tarried moment to bend over
her daughter. who, covered with
shame, sat still in the corner. She
offered her the shelter Of her old home,
but Louisa only looked at her husband
and shook her head.
"He needs me, mother, and I cannot
leave him."
It was late next morning when Vim
cent awoke. He was thoroughly sober
now. He brushed his hand slowly over
his eyes, and lay silently in deep re.
fection. scarcely moving for a. long
time. Then he got up. dressed him
self. and went downstairs. He found
Louisa crying over her baby, which
lay sleeping in her lap. The husband.
in whose memory every word and act
of the previous evening were clear.
went to his wife's side and knelt down.
81 remember it all, Lou, and I know
hew you feel. and I am. for the first
time in my life, thoroughly, ashamed Of
myself"
We will draw veil over the pair as
they converse in low. solemn tones
with each other, mingling their tears
and their prayers over their sleeping
| infant.
Three years passed away, and in the
large room of Deacon Newcombe's
house little company was gathered,
of children. and grandchildren. All who
had once met daily around the good
deacon's fire were there save one, and
| that one Louisa. The faces Of all were
saddened as the mother, looking around
| upon the group. spoke her name. No