The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-11

been ieared-it seemed to her that she could
not endure it. Her thoughts grew bewilder-
ed, and reason for time seemed trembling
Then her mind settled into gloomy calm
ness that was even more terrible, for it had
about il something approaching the hopeless
ness Of despair.
- Thoughts of her children aroused her, as
the gathering night darkened the chamber in
which she sat, and she endeavoured to rally
herself, and to assume calmness that she
was far from feeling. A reason would have
to be given for the fathers non-appearance.
at the tea-table. That could easily bc ioiiess
Fatigue and a slight indisposition had caused
him to lie down and as he had fallen asleep,
It was thought best not to awaken him.
Such tale was readily told, and as readily
received. The hardest task was to school
her feelings into submission, and so control
the expression of her face, and the tone Of
her voice, as to cause none to suspect that
there was anything wrong.
10 10 this fully, however, was impossible.
Her manner was too evidently changed; and
her face wore too dreamy and sad all ex-
preston to deceive her daughters, who in
quired, with much tenderness and solicitude.
whether she was not well, or whether any
thing troubled her.
am only little indisposed,' was her
evasive reply to her children's kind interro-
gatories.
Cant do something for you ~ inquired
Ellen, with an earnest affection in her manner.
"No, DEAR" was her mothers brief re-
sponse and then followed silence, oppres-
sive to all, which remained unbroken Until
the tea things were removed.
Alfred is again away at tea-tme," Mrs.
Graham atlength said, as they dll arose from
the table.
He went out this afternoon with Charles
Williams" Mary replied.
"Did he I" the mother rejoined quickly,
and with something of displeasure in her tone
Yes. Charles called for him in his bug
gy about four O'Clock, and they rode out
together | thought you knew it''
mo. was lying down about that time"
You do not seem to like Charles Will
liams much.'
certainly do not, Anna, as a conlpan-
ion for Alfred. He is too fond Of pleasure
and sporting, and | am very much afraid will
lead your brother astray."
81 never saw anything wrong about him,
MAJ
sPerhaps not. But have learned to be
a much closer observer in these matters than
you, Mary | have seen too many young
men at Alfred's age led away, not to feel
deep and careful solicitude for him.
As the subject seemed to give their mother
pain, her daughters did not reply; and then
another, and still more troubled silence fol-
lowed
| A chill being thrown thus over the feelings
of all, the family separated at an early hour.
But Mrs. Graham did not retire to bed She
could not, for she was strangely uneasy about
her son. 1t was about twelve O'Clock when
Alfred came in. His mother opened her door
as he passed ii, to speak to him-but her
tongue refused TO give uttcrance to the words
that trembled upon it. He, too, was intoxi-
Gated! at wa
Brief were the hours given to sleep that
night, and troubled the slumbcr that locked
her senses i'll forgetlulness. On the next
morning, the trembling hand of her husband,
as he lifted his cup to his lips, and the unre-
freshed and jaded appearance of her son, told
but too plainly their abuse of natures best
energies. With her husband, Mrs Graham
could not bring herself to speak upon the
subject. But she felt that her duty as a mo-
ther was involved in regard TO her son, and
therefore she early took occasion to draw
him aside, and demonstrate against the course
of folly upon which he was entering.
'.Y on were out late last night, Aired" she
said, in mild tone.
6 was in at twelve, Ma"
"But that was too late, Alfred"
6 don't know, Ma. Other young men
are out as late, and even later, every night"
the young man said, in respectful tone.
g rode out with Charles Williams in the af-
temoon, and then went with him to a wine
party at night"
81 must tell you frankly, Alfred, that ] like
neither your companion in the afternoon, nor
your company in the evening"
You certainly do not object 10 Charles
Williams. He stands as high in society as
do"
{" His family is one Of responsibility and
standing. But his habits, fear, Alfred, are
such as will, ere long, destroy all of his title
to respectful estimation"
Youjudge harshly," the young man said,
coloring deeply.