Norwich bulletin., 1912-12-14
A WEES DEVOTION

well and his business affairs too, un- less am mistaken. Good for Harold! He is a lucky fellow" Neither was he disheartened when the news arrived that son and heir had been born in Blount Manor. Again his generous heart responded in sincere congratula- tions to his brother, and again, he expressed his delight in no stinted measure. T am glad for them. The boy will wake Harold out of his dreams and do him good.
 I know one thing though, Evelyn; they cannot beat our two promising youngsters. They are the finest in two counties, venture to say, and do us credit. Everyone who sees them ad- mires them for they are sturdy little pair"
 But as time went on, Harry Blount's jovial habits and friendly feelings to all, began to tell against himself He was too weak to refuse where he should have resisted, and it was whispered about that he was in dulging too freely in stimulants, and that he staid too long at cards. He was always prompt in paying his debts of honor, as they are called, but was getting the name of being a reck- less player. He fell into the hands of interruptions gamesters occasionally, and more than once was forced to beg his wifes assistance to redeem his pledges This she rendered without representing him, for she believed his ready promise of better things in the 1 future.
 A sad awakening came at last when he was compelled to admit that again he had lost at the gaming table, and this time very heavily. Their home | was threatened, and to meet the large l demand some great sacrifice must be made. He advocated selling off the | timber land, claiming that 1t could be better spared than anything else. She was very loath to consent to such a decision, for she remembered her l fathers pride in his forests, and for the children's sake she desired to keep the estate intact.
 "No, Harry, we will sell the hunters and give up the meet for time; they can be replaced if times change, 1 but once curtail the land and the chances are that 1t can never be re- i gained. Let the hunters go."
 But you are so fond of the the sport, I hate to deprive you of it.
 "Yes," she responded with brave smile, but better that than anything else. I shall not complain, if only these awful claims are settled. You will hear no reproaches from me" ] So the hunters and hounds were disposed of, but when they were led away was a sad time for Evelyn. Her favorites were brought to the door fo1 her farewell, and though her heart was wrung with anguish at the shameful outcome of self indulgence, she stil kept cheerful face as she took last
 look at the noble steeds. Then turn
 ing to Harry, who stood at her side
 she said smilingly, "Better times art
 coming, am sure. and we shall ridt again to the hounds"
 Never was man blessed with {
 bravor wife" said Harry Blount aft.
 CT the affair was over T do not de.
 serve such kindness, but this time yol
 will find my word amounts to some
 thing. You need not fear for the flu
 ture." His remorse was sincere and h,
 kept his word. No more gambling
 debts accrued, for he was forced in
 to manliness by his wife's brave de
 votion, and her happiness was mad
 complete by the knowledge of his en
 tire reform. AN IDLER.