The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1909-06-10
For the
Last Time

speaking. She was about twenty-six
years of age, and undoubtedly she was
pretty, but want had set its mark on
her, SO that her hollow cheeks added
several years to her appearance and,
at the same time detracted from her
good looks. Her eyes were deep blue
and now, as she gazed on her hus-
band, they were very wistful.
II must go to the club tonight
Ethel" the man replied. Pm almost
sure to hear of job tonight"
Richard Darlington had been a
member of the unemployed for nearly
aine months. Perhaps it was largely
due to himself; he was too anxious
20 find an appointment just cut out
for him. He was good looking, at
least, many people said so, but on
close inspection, a certain weakness
was apparent in his face. He was an
excellent boon companion, ready to be
hail fellow we'll met with anyone, ever
ready to dip his hand in his pocket
twhen there was money there) to help
4 friend, but Just as ready to yield to
temptation that stronger character
would have kept clear Of
He had one child, a boy, common.
y known as Kiddy, and he was wrap
ped up heart and soul in the young
iter. He was as fond OF his wife as
{ was in his somewhat shallow nature
% be, but her good advice, which
Fould have steered him clear of many
socks, had little or no effect on him.
Now their finances were at their
1st ebb. Both husband and wife
nov that in day or two the where
vithal to live would be missing, and
Yet Dick Darlington must go to his
hub.
Don't go tonight, old boy. Stay
with me-" Ethel Darlington pleaded.
Il must go tonight, Ethel, but 1t
shall be for the last time"
The girl sighed How often she had
heard those words, "for the last
ime." Darlington tried to look in
1ured.
II might hear OF something to-
sight." he said. ut would be silly to
aiss 1t. Look here, it's eight o'clock
low. I'll be back by nine
Ethel was silent; she knew she was
3owerless to prevent his going. He
issed her-there was rarely any lack
4 affection between them when he
Tas sober-and presently the door
Ammed.
The girls eyes filled with tears.
;ae mounted heavily up the otairs and
1t by Kiddy's cot. The youngster
,ept the deep sleep Of inncc ent baby
God. No care or trouble had any ef-
cot on him, except his childish all
rents. II his father and mother went
ungry, he was always looked after
nd we'll fed.
my darling little Kiddy!" whisper
the mother, gazing with mingled
.ipture and pain at the soft face and
ny clenched fists.
Meanwhile, Dick Darlington was
ughing and joking with his com
mons at the Welcome Club. All
re had fallen from his shoulders,
r was there not full glass before
n and laughter going on around
m?
Then, curiously enough, the last
ing that he expected happened. He
rs fond of talking of looking for
"0rk at the club, but he never antici-
ted finding it. Now a man entered
2 room, a man to whom the sur
Indings and company were neither
niliar nor congenal. He singled
I Darlington.
"Ah! l thought l should find you
re-" he said. Il want to have a few
,rds with you"
5omewhat regretfully, Dick left the
Gle of his friends and joined the
wcomer. The upshot of the con.
-sation was that Dick was offered
1 he accepted an appointment He
to commence work on the fol-
wing morning.
It was characteristic of him that his
st thought was to hasten home and
| Ethel of his good fortune. WITH
S idea in view, he acquainted his
ends with what had happened, and
en- said goodnight.
Surely you're not going without
mixing luck to your new job?" cried
man.
We'll, just one, then" said Dick
ling down again.
The "just one" was but the forerun.
of many others, and not until the
bic house closed did Dick try to
home.
Richard is himself again." he quot
in a thick voice, tossing a finaI
iskey and soda down his throat.
lie made his way unsteadily home
tumbled into the living room
IN he collapsed into a chair, ant
I'd to review what had happened
new idea suddenly gllmmered IL
fuddled face.
Wouldn't do for wife to see me.
=, muttered. Mus keep her 1,
m"
lie felt his way to the bedroom
| turned the kav In tho Ioot, r,,, -.