The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-18
ISCELLANEOUS.
THE RUINED FAMILY.
BY T. S. ARTHUR.
{ G o n t i n u e d. }


stranger said, drawing his arm within that
OF the penitent young man, as he did so,-
" this is no place for you"
And the two walked slowly out, amid
the laughter, sneers, and open ridicule of the
brutal company. Once again in the open
air, Alfred breathed more freely.
80, sir" he said, grasping the hand Of the
individual who had appeared so opportunely
-" you have saved me from my last tempta-
ton, into which was led so naturally, that
| had not an idea Of danger. If had fallen
then, as fear should have fallen but for
you, must have gone down, rapidly, to
irretrievable ruin How can express to you
the grateful emotions that now feel -
express them not to me, young man."
the stranger said, in solemn voice; $ but
to him, who in his merciful providence, sent
me just at the right moment to meet your
last extremity. Look up to him, and when
ever tempted, let your conscious weakness
repose in his strength, and no evil power
can prevail against you. Be true to the res
olutlon OF this hour-to yor pledge-to
those who have claims upon you, for such,
know there must be, and you shall yet fill
hatposition of usefulness in society, which
no one else but you can occupy. And now
let me advise you to go home, and ponder
well this act, and your future course. No
matter how dark all may now seem, light
will spring up. Ifyou are anxious to walk in a
right path, and to minister to those who have
claims upon you, the way will be made
| plain. This encouragement can give you
with confidence; for twelve months ago,
trembled on the brink of ruin, as you have
just been trembling Twas once slave to
the same wild iniatuaton that has held you
in bondage. Hope, then, with vigorous
hope, and that hope will be a guarantee for
your future elevationn'
And so saying, the stranger shook the
hand Of Alfred heartily, and, turning, walked
hastily away.
| The young man had proceeded only a
few PAGES when he observed his old friend
and companion, Charles Williams, driving
along towards him. No one had done so
much towards corupting Ills morals, and
enticing him away from virtue, as that indi-
vidual. But he had checked himself in his
course Of dissipation, long before, while Al
fred had sunk rapidly downward. Years
had passed since any intercourse had taken
place between them, for their condition in
life had long been as different as their habits.
Charles had entered into business with his
father and was now active and enterprising,
increasing the income of the firm by his en-
ergy and industry.
His eye rested upon Graham, the moment
he came near enough to observe him. There
was something familiar about his gait and
manner, that attracted the young mans at
tention. At first, he did not distinguish,
through the disguise that sickness and self
imposed poverty had thrown over Alfred,
his old companion. But, suddenly, as he
was about passing, he recognised him, and
instantly reined UP his horse.
at is only few minutes since | was
thinking about you, Alfredo he said sHow
are you' But you do not look well. Have
you been sick :"
81 have been very ill, lately" Alfred,
Graham replied, in mournful tone; former
thoughts and feelings rushing back upon him
in consequence Of this unexpected interview,
and quite subdumg him.
g am really sorry to hear it," the young
man said, mpathizingly. "What has been
the matter 7" -..,
"A slow fever This is the first time |
have been out for weeks"
< A ride, then, will be Of use to you. Get
up, and let me drive you out in the country.
The pure air will benefit you, am sure"
For moment or two, Alfred stood irres-
olute. He could not believe that he heard
Alright.
"Come,'' urged Williams. "We have of
ten ridden before, and let us have one more
ride, if we should never 90 out again togeth-
er. wish to have some talk with YOU"
Thus urged, Alfred, with the assistance Of
Charles Williams, got up in the light wagon,
in which the latter was riding, and in mo-
ment after was dashing off with him behind
a spirited horse. ..,u ..
1t was on the morning of day, nearly a
week previous TO this time, that Mary Will
iams, or rather Mrs. Harwood,- for Anna
and Mary Graham's old friend had become
married woman-entered the store of Mrs
ON Chestnut-strect, for the purchase of
some goods. While one of the girls in at
tendance was waiting upon her, she obser-
we'd young woman, neatly, but poorly clad,
whom she had often seen there before, come
in, and 90 back to the far end ofthe store.