Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1851-04-26

meath the shadow of this huge rock. y,
my boy, could that hour be blotted from
my memory, which has cast dark shadow
over my life, gladly would l exchange all
the world can offer me for the quiet peace
of mind could enjoy. But not like this
huge, unsightly pile, it stands the monu-
ment of my guilt forever.
My mother being feeble in health, sat
down and beckoned me to sit beside her.
'AlfIed, my dear son. said she, shave you
lost all love for your motherP ] did not
reply. q fear you have,' she continued;
and may God help you to see your own
heart, and me to do my duty She then
talked to me of my misdeeds, and the
dreadful consequences Of the course I was
then pursuing. By tears, and entrea,ies
sion upon me. She placed before me the
lives and example of great and good men;
she sought to stimulate my ambition. |
was moved, but too proud to show it, and
remained standing in dogged silence before
her. thought t,-'what will my compan-
ions say, if, after all my boasting, yielded
at last, and submitted to be led by wo-
man .
What agony was visible on my mothers
face, when she saw that all she had said
and suffered failed to move me She rose
to 90 home, and | followed at distance.
She spoke no more to me till we reached
her own door. 'lt is school time now,'
said she. 60, my son, and once more l
beseech you 10 think upon what l have
said to you.'
81 shan't go TO school, said !.
She looked astonished at my boldness,
but replied firmly, Certainly you will 60,
Alfred command you.'
q will not,' said with tone of def
ance.
'One Of two things you must do, Alfred;
either go TO school this moment, or l will
lock you in your own room, and keep you
there till you are ready to promise implicit
obedience TO my wishes in future.'
i dare you to do it, said / 'you can't
get me up stairs
'Alfred, choose now,' said my mother,
and laid her hand upon my arm. She
trembled and was deadly pale.
IF you touch me l will kick you,' said
/, in a terrible rage. God knows l knew
not what l said.
'Will you go, Alfredo
sNo,' replied, but quailed beneath her
eye.
'Then follow me, said she, and graspcd
my arm firmly. raised my foot-O, my
son, hear me Il raised my foot and kick
ed her-my sainted mother! How my
head reels as the torrent of memory rushes
over me! kicked my mother-a feeble
woman-my mother May God forgive
me, for can never forgive myself! She
staggered back few steps, and leaned
against the wall. She did not look at me.
| saw her heart beat against her breast
20, heavenly Father,' she cried, 1orgive
him, he knows not what he does'
The gardener just then passed the door,
and seeing my mother pale and unable TO
stand, he stopped; she beckoned him in.
Take this boy up stairs, and lock him in
his loom; she gave me such look-it
will forever follow met was a look of
agony mingled with intenseSt love-it
was the last unutterable pang from heart
that was broken. In moment | found
myself a prisoner in my own room. /
thought | would fling myself from the
uhd Sidoh oH'3 Shs
felt afraid TO die. / was not penitent.-
At times my heart was subdued, but my
stubborn pride rose IN an instant, and babe
me not to yield. The pale face of my
mother haunted me. flung myself on the
bed and fell asleep. awoke at midnight,
stifened by the damp night air, and terri
fled with trightiul dreams. / would have
sought my mother at that moment, for |
trembled with fear, but my door was fast.
With the daylight my terrors were diSsl-
pated, and i became bold and resisted all
good impulses The servant brought my
meals, but ! did not taste them. thought
the day would never end. Just at twi-
light ] heard light foot-step approach the
door. 1t was my sister, who called me by
name. 'What may ! tell mother from
| you' she asked.
'Nothing,' replied.
20, Alfred, for my sake, for all our sakeS,
, say that you are sorry. She longs to for
/ give you.'
q won't be driven TO school against my
will,' said |.
But you will go, if she wishes it, dear
: Alfred, said sister pleadingly.
| 'No, I won't said ], 'and you needn't say
= a word more about it.
S % brother, you will kill her; and then
: you can never have happy moment again.
I: 81 made no reply TO this. My feelings
D were touched, but | still resisted thelT
e kindly influence. My sister called me,
D but would not answer. l heard her foot
;, steps slowly retreaiing, and again, l flung
), myself on the bed TO pass another wretchec
and fearful night. o God, how wretched
v how fearful! did not know
'Another footstep, slower and feeblel
S than my sisters, disturbed me. A voice
o called me by name. II was mother's.-
g 'Alfred my son, shall come in are yor
!, sorry for what you have done she asked
= q cannot tell what influence, operating
h at that moment, made me speak adverse tt
: my feelings. The gentle voice of my mo
d ther, which thrilled through me, melted
o the ice from my obdurate heart, and long