But I don't expect him home soon." "Oh, I wish he would come," the child responded, earnestly.

"If he was only home, you would not have to go out to work any more." The mother thought that she heard the movement of some one near the door, and leant her head in a listening attitude.

But all was silent without, save the occasional sound of footsteps as some one hurried by.
To give the incidents and characters that we have introduced their true interest, we must go back some twelve years, and bring the history of at least one of the individuals down from that time.
A young lady and one of more mature age sat near a window, conversing earnestly, about the period to which we have reference.
"I would make it an insuperable objection," the elder of the two said, in a decided tone.
"But surely there can be no harm in his drinking a glass of wine or brandy now and then.

Where is the moral wrong ?" "Do you wish to be a drunkard's wife ?" "No, I would rather be dead." "Then beware how you become the wife of any man who indulges in even moderate drinking.

No man can do so without being in danger.