The hopeful declaration of Mrs. Lyon proved indeed true. There was soon light, and fire, and food again in that cheerless dwelling; and the last days of Ralph and his family have proved to be their best days. He has never since tasted the tempting cup, and finds that it is a very easy matter to save one or two dollars a week, and yet live very comfortably.
The scene in the ale-house is never alluded to by either the husband or wife. They take no pleasure in looking back—preferring, rather, to look forward with hope. When it is thought of by either, it is something as a man who has endured a painful operation to save his life, thinks of the intense sufferings he then endured.
| [7] | This story is founded upon a brief narrative which met the author’s eye in an English newspaper. |
SONNET.
TO A YOUNG INVALID ABROAD.
Health unto thee! ’Twill come, though coy and slow:
Thou canst not die, before I cease to live.
Are we not one? Ay, brother, boughs that give