Year: 1862

As soon as The little ones were out Of sight.
Charles Nelson started to his feet. His hands
were clenched. aud his eyes fixed upon va
cant point with an eager gaze.


My God?" he gasped. What villain I
am. Look at me now? What state am
+ in, and what have l sacrificed TO bring myself
to it And they love me yet, AMI pray for
me"


/ He said no more, but for a few seconds he
stood with his hand still clenched, and his eyes
fixed. At length his gaze was turned upward
and bis casped hands were raised above his
head. A moment be remained SO, and then
his hands dropped by his side, and he started
homeward.


/ When he reached his home he found his
wife aud children in tears, but he affected to
notice it not. He drew a shilling from bis
pocket-it was his last-and handing it TO his
wife, he asked her if she would send and get
him some milk and -four, and make him some
porridge. She was startled by the tone in
which this was spoken, for it sounded just as
that voice had sounded in days gone by.
The porridge was made nice and nourishing
and Charles ate all. He retired early, and
early on the following morning he was up
He asked his wife if she had milk and -four
enough to make him another bowl of porridge.


Yes, Charles" she said, I'VE have not
touched it'


Then if you are willing should like some
more"


The wife moved quickly about the work,
and erelong the food was prepared. The bus
band ate it, and felt better. He washed and
dressed, and would have shaved had his hand
been steady enough. He left his home aud
went at once to a man who had just commenc-
ed TO frame house.


Mr.. Manly" he said, addressing the gentle
man alluded to. Il have drank the last drop of
alcoholic beverage that shall ever pass my lips.
Ask no more questions, but believe me now
while you see me true. Will you give me
work."


Charles Nelson, are you in earnest?" asked
Manyly in surprise.


$50 much SO, sir, that were death to stand
upon my right hand, ard yonder bar room on
my left, would go with the grim messenger
/ first"


Then here is my house lying about US in
Rough timber and boards. l place it all in
your hands and shall look to you to flush it,
While can trust you, you can trust me-
Come into my Office and you shall see the plaa
| | have drawn"


| We will not tell you how the stout man
wept, nor how his nohlc friend shed tears to
see him thus; bat Charles Nelson took the
plan, AID having studied it for a while. he
went out where the men were at work getting
the timber together, and Mr.. Mauly introdnc-
ed him as their master. That day be worked
but little. ior he WAS not strong yet, baer be
arranged the timber, aud gave directions for
framing. At night be asked his employer if
he dared trust him with dollar.


why, you have earned three" returned
Many.


And will yon pay me three dollars day p


II you as faithful as you have been to-
day. for You will save me money at that"


The poor man conId not speak his thanks. in
words, 5ut his looks spoke for him, and Manly
understood them. lie received his three dol
lars, and on his way home he stopped and
bought first Il basket, and three loaveS of bread
a pound Of butter. some tea, sugar, and piece
Of btet steak aud he had jl-t one dollar and
seventy five cents lett. With this load he went
home. Ii WIS somAime before he could c1m-
pose himself To enter the house, but at length
/ he vert in and set the basket on the table


Come Mary" he said, L have brought
something home for supper. Here Neley.
you take the pail and run over TO Mr. Brown s
and get two qnarts of milk"
/ lie handed the child a shilling "a he spoke.
add liz a half bewillcred State she took tbs
money and hurried away.
/ The w,le started when she raised the cover
/ of the basket, but she dared not speak. She
moved about like one in a dream, and ever and
auon she would cast furtive glance at her
husband. He had not been drinking she
knew it and yet he had money enough to buy
rum with if ne had wanted it. What could
! il mean? Had her prayers been answered? =
o. how fervently she prayed then.
Soon Nelly returned with the milk, and
Mrs. Nelson set the table out. After supper
Charles Nelson arose and said TO his wife:


Il must 60 up to Mr.. Many's Office to help
him arrange some plans for his new house, but
l will be at home early"


A pang shot through the wTes heart as she
saw her husband turh away, but still she was
far happier than she had been before for a
long time. There was something in his man.
ner that assured her and gave her hope.
ust as the clock struck nine, the we'll
known football was heard, strong and steady.
The door opened and Charles entered. His
wife cast a qlick, keen glance into his face,
and she almost uttered cry of joy when she
saw how changed for the better. He had been
to the barbers and hatter's Yet nothing
was said upon the all important subject
Charles wished to retire early, and his wife
went with him. In the morning the husband
arose first and built the fire. Mary bad not
slept till long alter midnight, having been kept
awake by the tumuiuous emotions that had
started up in her bosom, and hence she awoxe
not so early as usual. But she came out just
as the lea kettle and potatoes began to boil
and breakfast was soon ready.


After the meal was eaten, Charles arose
put on his hat, and then turning to his wife he
asked:-


"What do yos do today"


Il must wash for Mrs. Bixby"


Are you willing to obey me once more?"


"O-yes."


"Then work for me to-day. Send Nelly to
tell Mrs. Bixby that you are not well enough
to wash, for you are not Here is a dollar
and you must do with it as you please. Buy
f something that will keep you busy for your,
, selfor children"


Mr.. Nelson turned towards the door, anC
his hand was upon the latch. He hesitated
and turned back. He did not speak, but he
opened his arms, and his wife sank upon hi:
: bosom. He kissed her, and then having gen
tly placed her in seat, he left the house
When he went to bis work that morning, he
felt well and very happy. Mr.. Manly was by
to cheer him, and this he did by talking anC
J acting as though Charles had never been un