TIL E w HITE GOTTA G E.

A TEMPERANCE STORY.


BY RE VERA.
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Mr.. Benson sat in the midst of his fami-
ly. II was a beautiful morning in the month
of May. Three days only had elapsed since
ne signed the total abstinence pledge. In
that short space of time, he had pledged
himself TO total abstinence from all that can
intoxicate, and had become one Of the bro
therhood of the Sons of Temperance. So
sudden had been the transition-that more
than once he felt inclined to doubt the rea-
lity-to fancy it dream. On this partic-
ular morning he was absorbed in thought
on his brow frown had gathered
sudden starts and half suppressed sighs
showed the subject of his thoughtfulness to
be any thing but pleasant The subject of
his study was-himself He was review
ing his past life, and endeavoring to ascer-
tain the true state of his pecunary embar-
rasments. His wife, who guessed the turn
his thoughts had taken, sat- with anxious
brow, near him, waiting patiently his re-
turn to iousness-fearing, she knew
not what-an unde6nable dread hung
upon her-the suspense became intolerable
she could no longer remain Inactive
trembling, she laid her hand upon her hus-
bands shoulder, and looking steadfastly in
his eyes, said,


uChares-C Charles-what is the matter 7
Has any thing happened !"


Her husband, still keeping his eyes
fixed on vacancy, removed her arm from
his shoulder, and retaining the hand in his
grasp, slowly turned his gaze upon her
He seemed choaking-his bosom heaved--
he tried to speak, but could not articulate
word-he rose and paced the room until
he had, in some measure, recovered him
self--then approaching his wife, in voice
tremulous with emotion, he said,


"Clara, am wretched--exremely so
have cause for feeling so, which yo,
know not of--but you will know il soon


"Tell me, Charles, beseech you--tel
me now--keep it not from me-"


"Cara," he said, 81 am the cause of al
this mischief-my propensity has causes