Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1832-08-09
THE RUINED STUDENT.

situated than the village OF C., IN the
state of Conn. There is ncatness and
rural simplicity truly delightful to the eye
of the traveller. AS you entered the town
there was one dwelling that attracted our
attention with its white paling and neat
garden in front; the honeysuckle and
woodbine hanging in clustered profusion
over the porticO, and the pots of flowers
Handsomely arranged spoke the taste its
inhabitants. 1t was the residence Of the
widow w, her son, and two daughters.
Her husband had been an eminent physi-
clan who died three years previous-leav-
ing his widow and children in comfortable,
if not affluent circumstances. The daugh-
tiers we're all that mother could wish
them to be. They were pleasing and a
miable girls; and in the goodness Of their
dispositions and the affability Of their man
ncrs you quite forgot that they were not
beautiful. Now every family had its idol,
and Charles w, was the idol of this
1t was now his third year in college; in
one year more he would graduate; and
his mother hoped he would follow the steps
his father, and become resident of his
I native village. August was fast approach
ing, aud Charles was expected home to
spend the vacation. The girls looked
forward to the period with delightful anti
cipation. Mary said, when Charles comes
home, we will do so and so, and tho smiles
| on the countcnance Of Eleanor were more
| bland and sweet at tho mention of her
brother. Day after day passed on, and
the long wished for period at length arriv-
cd. This day." said the sisters, as they
arranged their plants with more care than
usual, Charles will be at home precisely
at five O'Clock !'' Their early dinner was
quickly dismissed, and at two o'clock the
4notler and daughters were seated at the
window, in anxious expectation. II was
six months since they had seen Charles /;
they wondered how he looked; had he
grown? Only think, mama" said Flea
nor, 1" Charles will be twenty his next
birthday he will be at home-how delight
ful !" Hour after hour passed on: al
length it wanted quarter of five the
minutes were then watched and counted
wheels were heard; the coach stopped,
and the girls flew to the door to receive
their brother. Oh! the happy meeting.
The evening passed away delightfully."-
Charles was improved both in mind and
person; and the happy mother and chill
dren enjoyed portion of that bliss which
falls but seldom to the lot of mortals. in
this probationary state.
The vacation weeks flew quickly by,
but the family of Mrs. W., enjoyed eve
nv moment of it. The mother and chill
dren were never separated. If you met
Mary and Eleanor in their morning and
evening walks, you were suro to find
| Charles and his mother close beside them.
At length the vacation was passed.
Charles was again in college; and hi:
mother and sisters looked forward will
hope to the time when he should return t.
remain with them altogether. The tim'
at length arrived. Charles college stu
dies were completed, and he returned to
his native village. He commenced the
study of medicine, ard two years Of happi-
ness unalIoyed was tho portion Of Mrs. WIS
| family. AT the expiration of that time
there were some changes; the girls were
married, and it was thought necessary for
Charles to repair 10 B, to finish his
studies with an eminent practitioner. His
mother saw him go to the metropolis with
some foreboding fears but she had faith
ia God, and she hoped her dear children
would escape the faint and pollution that
too often, falls to the lot Of the young and
Observation-Disclosures she thought tina,
Charles had talisman in his heart he
was engaged to the daughter of the minis
ter of the parish--;he mild and unassum-
ing Emily 3. Months rolled by; Charles
wrote regularly every week, and seemed
to look forward to his return as the goal oil
his happiness. A: last his letters did not
come SO punctual his mother felt some
anxiety, but she excused him, thinking thai
it was SO near the time of his return thai
he was deeply engaged with his studies
and lectures. ee.4h a
| He returned, and the mother once moro
rembrared the son but there was change
Ia change that the hearts Of those that
loved him were not willing to believe. II
was whispered around that he had become
unsteady, but it was only whispered. In q
few weeks he was married. and his fond
mother and friends anticipated that If he
had imbbed any thing like bad habits,
they would now be forgotten. But il was
far otherwise. Oh! who that has tasted
once of,he inebriating cup is ever reclaim
ed 2-It is like the poison ola terocious
i animal, il will work in the blood, and
eventually destroy. TWAS SO with Charles.
A. ..... :. .f.... al "a drsf1k save in HE