At last, in the anguish of her concern, she ventured upon remonstrance. This brought only angry repulse, adding bitterness to her cup of sorrow. The appearance of a storm, on the evening to which we have alluded, gave Mary an excuse for urging her father not to go out. How her remonstrance was received has been seen. While the poor girl sat weeping, the distant rolling of thunder indicated the approach of the storm to which she had referred. But she cared little for it now. Her father had gone out. She had spoken of it only with the hope that he might have been induced to remain with her. Now that he was away, the agitation within was too great to leave any concern for the turbulent elements without. On leaving his home, Mr. Edwards, who had not taken any liquor for three or four hours, and whose appetite was sharp for the accustomed stimulus, walked quickly in the direction of a drinking-house where he usually spent his evenings. On entering, he found that there was a little commotion in the bar-room. A certain individual, not over friendly to landlords, had intruded himself; and, his character being known, the inmates were disposed to have a little sport with him. "Come now, old fellow!" said one, just as Edwards came in,--"mount this table and make us a first rate temperance speech." "Do; and I'll treat you to the stiffest glass of whisky toddy the landlord can mix," added another. "Or perhaps you'd like a mint julep or gin cocktail better? Any thing you please. Make the speech and call for the liquor. I'll stand the treat." "What d'ye say, landlord? Shall he make the speech?" said another, who was eager for sport. "Please yourselves," replied the landlord, "and you'll please me." "Very well. Now for the speech, old fellow! Here! mount this table." And two or three of the most forward took hold of his arms. "I'm not just in the humor for making a speech," said the temperance man, "but, if it will please you as well, I'll sing you a song." "Give us a song then. Any thing to accommodate. But come, let's liquor first." "No!" said the other firmly, "I must sing the song first, if I sing it at all." "Don't you think your pipes will be clearer for a little drink of some kind or other." "Perhaps they would," was replied. "So, provided you have no objection, I'll take a glass of cold water--if such a thing is known in this place." The glass of water was presented, and then the man, who was somewhat advanced in years, prepared to give the promised song. All stood listening attentively, Edwards among the rest. The voice of the old man was low and tremulous, yet every word was uttered distinctly, and with a pathos which showed that the meaning was felt. The following well-known temperance song was the one that he sung; and while his voice filled the bar-room every other sound was hushed.