And for what? for the mere indulgence of a debasing appetite.  I rose to my feet and my step grew light with my new-formed resolution, that I would break the slavish fetters that had so long held me captive; and now, my dear wife, if you can forgive the past and aid me in my resolutions for amendment there is hope for me yet.”  Mrs. Harland was only too happy to forgive her erring but now truly penitent husband; but she trembled for the future, knowing how often he had formerly made like resolutions, but to break them.  She endeavoured, however, to be hopeful, and to encourage him by every means which affection could devise.

Through the influence of friends, his former employers were induced to give him another trial.  He had many severe struggles with himself ere he could refrain from again joining his dissipated companions; but his watchful wife would almost every evening form some little plan of her own for his amusement, that he might learn to love his home.  In a short time their prospects for the future grew brighter, his wife began to smile again; and his children, instead of fleeing from his approach as they had formerly done, now met him upon his return with loving caresses and lively prattle.  Some six months after this happy change, Mrs. Harland one evening noticed that her husband seemed very much downcast and dejected.  After tea, she tried vainly to interest him in conversation.

He had a certain nervous restlessness in his manner, which always troubled her, knowing, as she did, that it was caused by the cravings of that appetite for strong drink, which at times still returned with almost overwhelming force.  About eight o’clock he took down his hat preparatory to going out.  She questioned him as to where he was going, but could obtain no satisfactory reply; her heart sank within her; but she was aware that remonstrance would be useless.  She remained for a few moments, after he left the house, in deep thought, then suddenly rising she exclaimed aloud, “I will at least make one effort to save him.”  She well knew that should he take but one glass, all his former resolves would be as nothing.  As she gained the street she observed her husband a short distance in advance of her, and walking hastily she soon overtook him, being careful to keep on the opposite side of the street, that she might be unobserved by him.  She had formed no definite purpose in her mind; she only felt that she must endeavor to save him by some means.  As they drew nigh the turn of the street she saw two or three of his former associates join him, and one of them addressed him, saying, “Come on, Harland; I thought you would get enough of the cold water system.  Come on, and I’ll stand treat to welcome you back among your old friends.”  For a moment he paused as if irresolute; then his wife grew sick at heart, as she saw him follow his companions into a drinking saloon near at hand.  Mrs. Harland was by nature a delicate and retiring woman; for a