Year: 1878

at first proposed that they should be made one family; but there were other sons and daughters now nearly men anc women, who could well fill the vacancy in the old homestead, and that pretty little cottage, half hid in the clustering vines, was but stone's throw, and the young people preferred home of theil own.

 So all was made ready, and when the wedding day came, it was, as all wedding days should be, bright and happy one

 Regularly were the three glasses taker at the village saloon, that stood near tc the blacksmith shop, and as regularly was a sum equivalent to their cost handed to Lizzie upon his return from daily work. At first, it was done in joke, but at length became thing od course-a fixed habit, which would have been difficult to break up. No question was ever asked as to the disposition oi the money. "Here are your three glasses" he would say, and a quiet "thank you" was the wife's reply.

 Lizzie's pleasant reflection were inter rupted one evening by the sound of foot steps. She listened it was certainly William. Yes, it was his step; and yet it fell on the wife's ear with different sound from usual, and it was with an uncertain and almost hesitating feeling that she rose to open the door.

 els it you, William ?' she asked, be- fore she turned the key.

 "Who else should it be? Open the door quickly, and not keep ne standing on the steps all night"

 Never before had William spoken in so abrupt and nasty manner, and Lizzie looked at him in astonishment as she hastily did as he desired.

 "What is the woman looking'at ?" he exclaimed, in the same harsh voice. cone would think she never saw man before. Cannot you give me some sup per?"

 "Your supper is ready, William" the wife replied, mildly. She said no more, for her heart was very full, and she could with difficulty restrain her tears. A moments reflection, however, restored her composure. Something very un- usual must have occurred to irritate her husband to so unconmon degree. It was her duty to endeavor to soothe him to divert his mind and bring him into better state. With this view, after placing his supper before him, she chatted cheerfully concerning the little incidents of the afternoon, of the pleas ant tea at fathers, her disappointment that he could not join her there, and how little Willie had wished that father had piece of grandma's nice cake, and baby Lizzie had seemed to miss h1m when they returned home, and would be carried from room to room, as if search ing for something.

 To all this, and much more, he listen ed in silence, and made no kindly re- sponse. Lizzie was sad, but not dis couraged and when he left the table, and threw himself upon the old-fnshion- ed lounge, which was his favorite place of evening rest, she seated herself upon low stool at his side, and looked af fectionately in his face, as she whis- perea:

 "What is the matter, dear Will This is the anniversary of our marriage, and you have not spoken one kind word to vo11r ,,oor little wifo {"

 This appeal in some degree restored him to himself, and, indeed, the nice cup of tea had done him good.

 "Never heed me tonight, Lizzie," he said, 'I am tired, and out of sorts. Tc tell you the truth, was persuaded tc take an extra glass or two where have been this afternoon, and it was little too much for me. My good supper has nearly set me right, however, and good nights rest will make all we'll. What ii the matter, now, little woman p he asked, as Lizzie sat motionless, and made no response. "I will treat you as we'll as I have done myself. Here is the price of six glasses !''

 The money dropped upon the floor as with clasped hands sue exclaimed:

 "My dear husband, oh, my husband will you not give it up, altogether? | would be but little sacrifice now and oh, believe me, it is the only safe course Think of our dear children. SureE you will do it for their sakes ?''

 

 it up; but I will take care to keep with in my allowance in future. Three glasses day never harmed any one."

 Lizzie would have urged him still fur ther, but look of impatience checked ner, and with 8 secret prayer that h, might never again be led into tempta tion, she locked her fears in her ow1 bosom. Long after her husband slept her tears fell fast upon the pillow, ant she looked at her little ones and re membered her own miserable childhood and her poor mothers unhappy life an, early death.

 This was but the beginning of so1 rows. For another week all went we'll then came a second excess. There wa still some good excuse-some pecuIia circumstance which he said might neve occur again. But the path down hill a slippery one, and of quick descent Before another year had passed, his un steady habits were known and com mented upon by those who had ono respected him as thriving industriou man. Several times he had been see in the street in state little short C absolute intoxication, and his work wa often neglected, even at the most bus season of the year. The parents ha :emOnstrated and his wife nleaded i