I need not tell
you how I warned him of dander; how I entreated him to avoid it;
how I watched him in sickness, and bathed his fevered brow; how my
heart was gladdened when I saw his health returning, and heard his
solemn promise to reform.
"Nor need I tell you how he was again led astray, and his hand
encircled that cup which he had once dashed aside. O, sir, he was a
good man; and, in his sober moments, he would weep like a child, as
he thought of his situation! He would come to me and pour out his
soul in gratitude for my kindness; and would beg my forgiveness, in
the tenderest manner, till his heart became too full for utterance,
and his repentance found vent in his tears.
"What could I do but forgive him, as I did a hundred times!
"Disheartened, I became sick. I was not expected to survive; and
Jenny, poor, child, watched by my side, and contracted an illness,
from which, I fear, she will not be freed till the God she loves
calls her home to himself.
"When I recovered, Alfred remained for some time sober and happy.
But he fell! Yes, sir; but God knows he tried to stand, and would
have done so had not the owner of that groggery, by foul stratagem,
hurled him to the ground.
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