Such a change
cannot be possible."
"Only sign our pledge," remarked my friend, "and I will warrant that it
will be so. Sign it, and I will introduce you myself to good friends,
who will feel an interest in your welfare and take a pleasure in
helping you to keep your good resolution. Only, Mr. Gough, sign the
pledge, and all will be as I have said; ay, and more, too!"
Oh! how pleasantly fell these words of kindness and promise on my
crushed and bruised heart. I had long been a stranger to feelings such
as now awoke in my bosom; a chord had been touched which vibrated to
the tone of woe. Hope once more dawned; and I began to think, strange
as it appeared, that such things as my friend promised me might come to
pass. On the instant I resolved to try, at least, and said to the
stranger:
"Well, I will sign it."
"When?" he asked.
"I cannot do so to-night," I replied, "for I must have some more drink
presently, but I certainly will to-morrow."
"We have a temperance meeting to-morrow evening," he said; "will you
sign it then?"
"I will."
"That is right," said he, grasping my hand; "I will be there to see
you."
"You shall," I remarked, and we parted.
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