Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-09-21


into a pleasant house, for which be paid
a rent Of four hundred dollars. His sal /
airy was eight hundred dollars; but be
deceived his mother by telling her that
be received fifteen hundred. Every
comfort that she needed was fully sup
piled, and she was beginning to feel that
after long and often painful struggle
with the world her happier days had
come.
James was at his desk when the letter
just referred to was received by AR.
Carman. Guilt is always on the alert,
and suspicious of every movement that
involve betrayal or exposure. He look
ed stealthily at his employer as he open
ed the letter, and observed him change
countenance suddenly. He read it over
twice and James saw that the contents,
whatever they were, produced disturb
ance. While he was yet observing him,
Mr.. Carman glanced toward his desk,
and their eyes met; it was only for a
moment, but the look James received
made his heart stop beating.
There was something about the move
ments of Mr.. Carman for the rest of this
day that troubled the young man. 1t
was plain to him that suspicious had been
aroused by that letter. Oh, how bitterly
did he repent, in dread of discovery and
punishment, the evil of which he had
been guilty. Exposure would disgrace
and ruin him, and bow the head of his
mother, it might be even to the grave.
You are not well this evening" said
Mrs. Lewis, as she looked at her sons
changed face across the tea-table, and no
tieed that he did not eat.
My head aches,' he replied, as he
turned partly away from his mothers d.
rect gaze.
Perhaps the tea will make you feel
better
sFll lie down on the sofa in the parlor
for short time, said the young man,
rising from the table. A little quiet
may give relief And he went from
the dining-room.
Mrs. Lewis followed him into the par
lor in little while, and sitting down by
the sofa on which he was lying plae-
ed her hand upon his head. All, il
would take more than the loving press
ure of mothers hand to ease the pain
from which he was suffering. The touch
of that pure hand increased the pain to
agony.
Do you feel better?' asked Mrs
! Lewis, after she had remained for some
time with her hand on his forehead.
Not much, he replied; and raising
as he spoke, he added, 1 think walk in
the open air wi do me good
Don't go out, James, said Mrs. Lew.
is, troubled feeling coming into hel
heart.
IN only walk few squares Ant
James went from the parlor, and, taking
! up his hat, passed into the street withou
another word.
There's something more than head
ache the matter with him, was the though
: of Mrs. Lewis, and the slight feeling o
trouble she had experienced began deep
ening into a strange concern that involv
ed dread of coming evil.
: For half an hour James walked with.
{ out any purpose in his mind beyond es
cape from the presence of his mother
J, Every phrase of Mr.. Carman's name
: towards him after the receipt of that let
: ter, was reviewed and dwelt on, in ordei
if possible to determine whether suspicion
5 Of wrong dealings was entertained. A
D last his aimless walk brought him int
: the neighborhood of Mr.. Carman's store
y and in passing he was surprised at see
e ing light within.
d What can this mean he asked him
: self, new fear creeping with its shud
d dering impulses, into his heart.
n He went near. listened by the doc
: and windows, but could hear no SCUM
e within.
There's something wrong be saic
What can it be? If this thing is di.
a covered, what viii be the end of it
Ruin ruin My poor mother!'
The wretched young man passed Of
and walked the streets for two hour
when he ruturned home. His nothe
Q met him as he entered, and inquirei
with unconeealed anxiety, if he wer
/ better. He said Yes bat with mar
, ner that only increased the trouble 81
d felt, aud passed up hastily to his ON
room.
IS In the morning the strangely altere
r face Of james, as be met his mother