Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-07-22

had, Tor tune, CanSied after nef. Dul they
gradually ceased to court one, who favoured
their address only so far as she found them pill
able; and who made no other use. Of her power
over them, than to entangle them into ruinous
connexion with her brothers.
Young Brockman had been so long absent,
that of the character Of this family he knew no.
thing. The sons had all been his school-fellows;
one was about his own age; and when they last
parted, no such stigma was known to attach to
them. 1t was therefore but natural that he
should meet their advances with the cordially
Of other days, snd freely accept their invitation
to come and partake Of the produce Of the farm.
This was given after divine service, on the very
first Sunday which he spent amongst us; and
coming as it did, from the ruby lips of Harriet,
no one could feel surprise that it was not de-
cInel, for with the precipitancy of his years,
Wills admiration grew al once into passion,
and before he had exchanged two sentences
with his old acquaintance, ne became her devo'
ted slave
From that unlncky hour, Will became con-
slant visitor at the house Of John Petley. His
mother, from whom the state Of his feelings
could not long remain secret, did her best to
break of ;he connection. She took, | believe,
the injudicious course which most mothers
take, when their sons or daughters chance 10
form an improper attachments; that is 10 say,
she never neglected any legitimate opportuni-
" of speaking sIigh!ingly Of Harriet, nor great
~ scrupled to invent one, when il occurred not
Of is own accord. But her plans proved as
| fruittss as such plans generally prove, and the
more she rallied at the object Of his atteptions,
the more devotedly and warmly attached to that
| object he became. Matters went, indeed, so
! far at last, that she absolutely longed for the
arrival of the communication which was again
| to seperate her from the only being upon earth
whom she truly loved; SO firmly was she con-
rinced, that her sons intercourse with the Pet
leys could end in no good, and would probably
lead to his ruin.
| Nor had much time elapsed before tic con-
! sequences of his misplaced attachment began
10 appear in the habits and behaviour Of young
BrocEma Whole days were now spent at
Pe,ey's house, and some OF the lowest and worst
characters along the coast were his panions,
Many time his mother sat up, in expec Ation
of his return, i'll long past midnight: and when
he did return, was shocked TO find him IN 4
state Of outrageous inebriety. His money too,
began to run short; cards OF which the good
woman entertained a grievous horror, became
his iavorite diversion, and rumor gradually
gained ground that much OF il was lost al play.
When Sunday morning came round, ne had
always some excuse ready, why he should not
accompany her to church; his head ached, or
he had received communication from his en-
ployeis, which must BIZ answered by that day.
post; in word, Will Brockman was an alter
ed man. The very expression of his counle-
nance was changed, and even his style Of dress
was no longer what it used to be. The effect
of all this was, to cause the widows heart, OF
late so light, to sink within her; her days were
accordingly devoted to useless complaining
and her nights to watchfulness and terror.
ITO be Continued