Mrs. Page and her sister went over to comfort and assist the stricken family, while Marcus retired to his chamber, to commune with his own thoughts. Though far from unfaithful to his trust as a religious teacher, he now lamented that he had done so little for the spiritual improvement of the dear boy whom death had just removed from the reach of his influence. Never before did he realize so vividly the uncertainty of life, the insignificance of worldly ambition, and the inestimable value of those treasures which make us “rich toward God.” And now, at the beginning of the new year, did he kneel down and ask for divine aid, as he pledged himself to strive, with more fidelity than ever before, to kindle in the young minds around him desires after a higher and purer life.
CHAPTER XVII.
ADVERSITY.
THE first act of Mr. Hapley, after Benny was laid in the frozen ground, was one that gave new hope to the sorrowing household. At his request, the clergyman of the village had previously written a pledge of total abstinence from all intoxicating liquor, which the afflicted father signed upon the coffin of his boy. On returning from the funeral, he collected together all the alcoholic liquors in the house, consisting of cider, whiskey and brandy, and taking them into the yard, poured them out upon the snow. As Mrs. Hapley and the children gazed upon this novel scene, they almost forgot their bereavement, in the new hopes and joys which seemed now about to be bestowed upon them. And well might they take courage. Mr. Hapley had thus far sacredly kept his promise to Benny. He was very sad, and his limbs were weak and trembling, and there was a terrible craving and gnawing within, that neither food nor ordinary drink could satisfy; still he struggled manfully against the tempter, and friends not a few stood by, with words of encouragement and cheer. Indeed, with his sober and subdued air, his clean-shaven face, and the general tidiness of his personal appearance, he already seemed like a different man.
The reformation of Mr. Hapley was much talked of among his neighbors and acquaintances, and very different opinions were expressed as to its permanence. It was generally thought that he would persevere, but there were some who had little faith in his good purposes. Old Mr. Todd, who held a mortgage on his farm, and who was regarded as quite an oracle, shook his head in a knowing manner, when the matter was mentioned at the post office, one morning.
“I’ve known Charles Hapley,” said he, “ever since he was a boy, and I knew his father before him. The old man had the best farm in town, but the family has been gradually running down these twenty years, and it’s my opinion that Hapley will die a drunkard, as his father did.”
“Now, Squire,” said an elderly and benevolent looking man, who was seated on the counter, “it appears to me you are a little too hard on Hapley. They say he’s stuck it out for more’n a week, and not touched a drop of anything, and that’s doing pretty well, for him. I hold that we all ought to encourage the poor fellow along, and not go around predicting that he’ll die a drunkard.”
“So do I hold to encouraging him along,” replied Mr. Todd; “but at the same time I don’t believe it will do any good. He never did have any control over himself, from a boy, and I don’t believe he’s going to keep the bridle on a great while, now. You see if he does, that’s all.”
“Guess the old man means to step in there,” said some one, as Mr. Todd went his way.
“Yes, it’s plain enough what he’s after,” said another.