Stories and Sketches | Page 7

tempters, hinder not my husband from following the dictates of
his better nature." For a few moments there was silence in the room, till
one of the company, more drunken and insolent than the others,
exclaimed in a loud, derisive voice; "Zounds, madam, but you would
make a capital actress, specially on the tragedy parts; you should seek
an engagement upon the stage." Mr. Harland's eyes flashed angrily as
he listened to the insulting words addressed to his wife, and, turning to
the man who had spoken, he addressed him, saying, in a decided tone
of voice: "I wish to have no harsh language in this room while my wife
is present, but I warn each one of you to address no more insulting
language to her." The manner in which Mr. Harland addressed them,
together with the gentle and lady-like appearance of his wife had the
effect to shame them into silence. His voice was very tender as he again

addressed his wife, saying, "Come Mary I will accompany you
home--this is no place for you." When they gained the street the
unnatural courage which had sustained Mrs. Harland gave way, and she
would have fallen to the earth, but for the supporting arm of her
husband. For a few moments they walked on in silence, when Mr.
Harland said, in a voice choked with emotion, "You have been my
good angel, Mary, for your hand it was which saved me from violating
a solemn oath; but I now feel an assurance that I have broken the
tempter's chains forever." I am happy to add that from this hour he
gained a complete victory over the evil habit which well-nigh had
proved his ruin; and in after years, when peace and prosperity again
smiled upon them, he often called to mind the evening when his
affectionate and devoted wife, by her watchful love, saved him from
ruin, and perchance from the drunkard's grave.

EMMA ASHTON.
It was a sad day for Emma Ashton, when, with her widowed mother,
she turned from her father's new-made grave, and again entered their
desolate home. None but those who have experienced a like sorrow can
fully understand their grief as they entered their now lonely home,
where a short time since they had been so happy. But the ways of
Providence are, to our feeble vision, often dark and incomprehensible,
and the only way by which we can reconcile ourselves to many trials
which we are called to endure is by remembering that there is a "need
be" for every sorrow which falls to our lot, in the journey of life. Emma
was an only child and had been the idol of her father's heart, and no
marvel if the world, to her, looked dark and dreary when he was
removed by death. Added to the grief occasioned by their bereavement,
the mother and daughter had yet another cause for anxiety and
disquietude, for the home where they had dwelt for so many years in
the enjoyment of uninterrupted happiness was now no longer theirs.
Since quite a young man, Mr. Ashton had held the position of overseer,
in a large manufactory in the village of W. Owing to his sober and
industrious habits he had saved money sufficient to enable him, at the
period of his marriage, to purchase a neat and tasteful home, to which

he removed with his young wife. He still continued his industry, and
began in a small way to accumulate money, when, unfortunately, he
was persuaded by one whom he thought a friend to sign bank-notes
with him to a large amount; but, ere the notes became due, the man he
had obliged left the country, and he was unable to gain any trace of him,
and was soon called upon to meet the claim. Bank-notes must be paid,
and to raise money to meet the claim he was forced to mortgage his
house for nearly its full value. His health failed; and for two years
previous to his death he was unable to attend to his business. The term
of the mortgage was five years, which time expired soon after his death.
During the few last weeks of his life his mind was very much disturbed
regarding the destitute condition in which he must leave his beloved
wife and daughter; for he was too well acquainted with the man who
held the claim to expect any lenity to his family when it should become
due, and he was sensible that the hour of his own death was fast
approaching. His wife tried to cheer him by hopeful words, saying:
"Should it please our Heavenly Father to remove you, fear not that He
will fail to care for the fatherless and widow." A short time before his
death