Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-03-24

baby, sent me to high school IN the
village. After associating for a time
with rude, rough boys, Host in a
measure, my fondness for my home,
and my reverence for my mother; and
it became more and more difficult for
her to restrain my impetuous nature.
I thought it indicated a want of man
liness to yield TO her authority. or to
appear penitent, although | knew my
conduct panied her. The epithet /
most dreaded was girl Joy. | could
not bear to hear il said by my compan-
ions that was tied to my mothers
apron strings. From quiet home-
loving child. soon became wild, r~is-
tcring boy. My dear mother used ey.
cry persuasion to induce nae TO seek
happiness within the precincts Of home.
She exerted herself to make our fire.
side attractive, and my sister. follow.
ing her sclf.sucriicing example, sought
to enilcc me by planning games, and
diversions, for my entertainment. |
saw all this, but did not heed IL.
II was on an afternoon like this. thal.
~ | was about leaving the dining room,
10 spend tho intefmlpsion between the
morning and evening school. In the
street, ~ usual my mother laid her hand
on my shoulder, and said, mildly aud
firmly.
My son. l wish you TO come home
with me-"
would have rcbclled. but some.
thing In her manner awed me. She
put on her bonnet and said 20 me-
I'VE will take n little walk togeih.
er."
followed her In silence; and as |
was passing out of the door. | obsery.
cd one Of my rude companions skulk-
ing about the house, and knew he
was waiting for me. He sneered nj
me as went past him, My pride was
wounded TO the quick. He was u very
bad boy. but being some years older
than myself, he exercised great in
iluence over me. | followed my moth
CIR sulkily ill we reached the spot
where We no stand, beneath the shade
OF this huge rock. o, my boy. could
that hour be blotted from my memory.
which has cast a dark shadow over my
whole life, gladly would | exchange
all that the world can offer me, for the
quiet peace of mind | should enjoy
But mol like this huge unsightly pile.
stands the monument Of my guilt for.
ever.
My mother, being feeble in health,
sat down and beckoned me to sit down
beside her. Her, r,look, so full of tender
sorrow, is present 10 me now. | would
not sit, but continued standing sullenly
beside.
"Alfrcd, my dear son." said she,
"haye you lost allhonor for your moth
err"
| did not reply.
IL fear you have" she continued,
land may God help you to see your
own heart and me to do my duty"
She then talked to me.about my mis-
deeds, of the dreadful consequences Of
the course was pursuing. BY tears.
cntreaties and prayers, she tried to
make an impression on me. She placed
before me the lives and examples of
great men; she sought TO stimulate my
ambition. Twas moved, but too proud
to show it, and remained standing in
dogged silence beside her. Thought,
"what will my companions say, ii, af-
ter all my boasting. | yield at last,
and submit 10 be l6 by woman?"
What agony was visible on my
mothers face, when she saw that all
she said and suffered, failed to move
mel She rose TO 80 home, and fol.
lowed at n distance. She spoke nc
more to me until We reached our own
door.
at Is school time now." she said,
''go my son. and once more let me be.
seech you TO think upon what have
said"
IL will not" said I, with II loud
tone of defiance.
"Onc OF these two things you mus
, do, Alfred; either 70 to school thi
! moment, or | will lock you in you