The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-09-20

reacneu the uoOr tncn turning back he whls-
!, pcred, .Bo at Mrs. Hinman's tomorrow even
ing MOTHER and before she had time to ask
a question or utter an exclamation Of surprise
he had disappeared in the street.
But poor Mrs Lane was soon made ac-
quanted with the truth. Mr.. Lane was
somewhat vexed with himself for not pcrceiv.
ing his sons tendency to error before, and
like many others, he seemed resolved to make
up in decision what he had lost by blindness.
It was this that had caused his sharpness when
he made the appointment, and he considered
his dignity compromised when nine o'clock
passed and his son seemed resolving on acting
in open disobediencc to his command. When
tho culprit appeared he demanded percmp-
torily full confession, and Robert gave it.
He had fallen into gay society, then into
vicious, and he was not the ono to occupy q
minor position anywhere. Wine and wit
had reduced him, and in an evil hour he sat
down to the gaming table. He had played
at first for trivial stake, then more deeply,
and had that night plunged in almost past
extrication. At any time Mr.. Lane would
would have been shocked, now he was exas-
perated and spoke bitterly. At first Robert
did not retort, for he had come in resolved
on confession and reformation but finally
repentance was drowued in anger, and he
answered as son, particularly as an erring
son, should not. Then a few more words
unreasonable on both sides; Mr.. Lane asser-
ted that debts so contracted were dishonest
ones, and should not be paid, and Robert de-
clarcd that they should be paid If he gained
his life to win the money till finally the old
mans rage became uncomfortable. 1t was
in obedience to his fathers command that
Robert left his home that night with an or
der never to cross its threshold again.
For two or three weeks Mrs. Lane now and
then of an evening met her son at the houses
of her friends, and then he disappeared en-
tirely. Since the first disclosure she never
mentioned Roberts name to her husband
and Ella only knew that some angry words
had estranged her father and brother for a
time-she was enviably ignorant Of Roberts
guilt and danger.
The evening on which our story commen-
ces Mrs. Lane had intended to spend abroad
with her daughter, but had been prevented
by the receipt Of the note above mentioned.
Robert had never been home since he was
commanded to leave it, and though anxious
both about the cause and the result she could
not but be rejoiced at the thought of seeing
him again in her own private sitting room.
She had many things too to learn respecting
his manner Of living and his intentions for
the future.
While Mrs. Lane walked up and down her
little sitting room, wishing that ten o'clock
would soon come, her son entered his small,
scantily furnished apartment in q decent
boarding-house, and throwing himself on the
only chair within it, he covered his face with
his hands. For long time he sat in this
position then he arose and taking down
a pockct.pistOl, carefully primed it and laid
it beneath his pillow. Immediately, how.
ever, he took it out, charged 1t heavily, and
laying it on the table, folded his arms and
gazed upon it, muttering.
1T may be needed when | least expect it.
have ut least one friend while this is by
Then muiiling himself up. he hurried into
the street and soon reached his fathers door
where he stood in hesitation.
lie rang. The girl started when she open
ed the door, but gave no other signs recog.
nition. Robert inquired after Mrs. Lane
In a moment afterwards he leaned his head
upon his mothers knees.
'Is it any new trouble, Robert? inquired
she, tenderly; 'and new-guih? she whis-
pcred. bending her lips close to his ear, and
placing the other arm over her neck. Tell
your mother-she will help you. o, Rob
ert, you know she will love you, and cling to
you through it ALL
The boy raised his head, and now she saw,
for the first time, the change that had come
over him. His face was haggard, his eyes
sunken and bloodShot that round rosy cheek
which her lips had loved to meet, had grown
thin and pale, and, in place Of the gay, care
less smile. had arisen looks cf bitterness.
Il shall break your heart mother, he said.
sorrowfully. 'and poor Elias too! o, it is a
dreadful thing to murder those one loves best.
never meant to do it !; try to remember that
dear mother, whatever comes
i believe 1t, Robert
'Ah |! you know only small part yet
but | could not 80 away without seeing and
telling you. knew you would learn it from
Others
But, surely, Robert, you have nothing
worse to tell me than know already
You know that night my father summon
ed me to his library | had told my last among
them; promised myself so. and repeated it
to my father, and would have kept my
promise, l would. But you know how 1t
turned out. 1t did seem tome dishonorable
to refuse to pay those debts. I left him, and
then was desperate. Twas determined to
have the money. and got it,
How, Robert?,
Not honestly
The boys voice was low and husky, his
face Of death.like paleness.
A faintness came over her, but she grasp
ingly articulated-