His voice was very tender as he again addressed his
wife, saying, "Come Mary I wills 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.
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