The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-09-20
ing scrap of paper from her bosom, she

must see you. He will not come in before
eleven-I will be with you by ten.'
1t was written in hurried, irregular hand
and was without signature; but it needed
none.
"My poor, poor boy!" murmured the now
almost weeping mother, as she crushed the
paper in her hand and laid it back upon her
heart. 1T may be wrong to deceive him so,
but how can mother refuse to see the son
she has carried in her arms and nursed upon
her bosom? Poor Robert'
Ay, poor Robert, indeed, the only son Of
one Of the proudest and wealthiest citizens Of
New York, and yet without u shelter for his
head.
Mr.. Lane had lived bachelor until the
age Of forty-two, when he married bcauti-
full girl of eighteen-the mother, whom We
have already introduced to our readers. She
was gentle and complying, hence the rigid
sternneSs of his character seldom had an OPP
portunity to show itself. But the iron was
all there, though buried for a time in the
flowers which love had for time nursed into
bloom above il. The eldest of their children
was a boy-a frank, heartsome, merry fellow
IA lamb to those who would condescend to
lead him by love, but exhibiting even in in.
fancy an indomitable will that coused the
young mother many an anxious foreboding.
But, as the boy grew toward manhood, a new
and deeper cause for anxiety began to ap-
pear. To Roberts gayety were other quail
tiles that made him fascinating companion
his society was constantly sought, first by
families in which his parents were on inti-
mate terms, and then by Others, and still 9TH
ers, till Mrs. Lane began to tremblc, lest,
among her sons associates, might be found
some of exceptional character. BY degrees
he spent fewer Of his evenings at home, went
out with her less frequently, and accounted
for his absence less satisfactorily. Then she
spoke to him on the subject, and received the
assurance that all was well-that she need
not be troubled about his falling into bad
company but she was troubled.
There was at evening wild sparkle in the
boys eye and an unatural glow upon his
cheek that told of unhealthy excitement, but
in the morning it was all gone, and his gay
ETY., sometimes his cheeriullness, fled with it.
Mrs. Lane was anxious but she confined her
anxiety to her own bosom, not even whisper
ing il to her husband, lest he should ridiculo
1t on the one hand, or ON the other exercise
a severity that should lead to collision. But
matters grew worse and worse constantly
She sought opportunities to warn him, but
he evaded them, and 50 several weeks Of more
Importance than many a lifetime passed by.
Finally Mrs. Lane became seriously alarmed
and consulted her husband.
Il have business with you tonight, Rob
ert, said Mr.. Lane as the boy was going out
after dinner, 'and will See you in the library
at nine o'clock
.I--I-have-an engagement, sir. Iisome
other hour
No other hour will do. You have no en-
gagement that will be allowed TO intcrposo
with those make for you
Robert was about to answer, perhaps an
grily, when he caught glimpse ofhis moth
er, Her face was Of an ashy hue, and tear
was trembling in her eye. He turned hasti-
ly away, and was hurrying along the hall,
but, before he had reached the street.door,
her hand was on his arm, and she whisper
cd.
Meet your father at nine, as ho has bid
den you, Robert, and do not, for my sake
for your mothers sake. Robert,-don't say
anything to exaspente him.
DO not fear, mother. he answered. in
subdued tone; then, as the door closed be-
hind me, he muttered, 'he will he exasper.
ated enough with little saying, If his busin-
ess is what suspect. What fool have
been-mad-mad! wish l had told him at
first without being driven to it by waiting;
but now-I will make one more attempt
desperate it must be, and then, If the worst
comes, he will only punish me. That can
bear patiently. for l deserve it; but it would
kill my poor mother-this he must not tell
her!'
Mn. Lane started nervously at everyring Of
the door-bell that evening, and when, at nine
she heard it. she could not fOrbear stepping
into the hall, to see who was admitted. 1t
was her husband, and, only waiting to in
quire Of the girl If Robert had yet come in,
he psased on to the library.
Mrs. Lane found it more difficult than ever
to sustain conversation she became abstract
cd, nervous, and, when her few evening vis-
itos departed, she was 50 manilestly relieved
tha, Ella inquired in surprise il anything
had been said or done to annoy her. 1t was
past ten, and he had not yet appeared Eli
nally the bell was pulled violently, and she
hastened to the door henelf With livid lip
and bloOd'hot eye, her son stepped to the
threshold, and starting at the sight Of her, he
hurried away to the library without giving
her another glance. How slowly the mo.
ments passed to the waiting mother!
How she longed to catch bu. note Of
those voices both so loved, that she might
know whether they sounded in confidence or
anger! What Roberts course had been she
could not guess, but she knew that he would
be required to give strict account Of him
self. and she dreaded the effect OF her hus-