The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-01-30
Volume 10.
There is no use in being sorry for what
ko balroI

inire. To pass over yoar errors with a reck-
less and desperate air, as you are endeavor-
ing to do, is to add foolishness to folly
We'll, YOU are right there said Martini
frankly. penetrated by the direct truthful
ness with which met him. Il don't know
whether am exactly sorry. but l tell you,
sir, am furious when think what a per-
feet fool have been-what disgrace to
myself-what a shame to my folks, who, l
suppose, won't own me again, fool that
ami
He gnashed his teeth together, with an
expression Of remorse and conyulsiye pain
which drew me nearer to him than could
get before. Hardened villainy rcpels us,
but the moment the sinner softens. the mo-
ment peniteuce appears, our sympathies flow
out to him, all the deeper and more impul-
siye for the barrier Of guilt which has kept
us from him hitherto, but which we now
feel breaking away.
20, Martin? p said 1, is this indeed your
the boy used to watch with such interest
as you grew up, hoping such great and good
things of you? o, Martin, where have you
been?'
Pity and tender affection gushed from my
heart, and prevented him from taking offence
at anything might say. And l went on.
picturing to him the promise of his boyhood,
the love and expectation Of his friends, the
noble and happy life he might have lived,
and the darkly contrasting career of vice and
wretchednrss to which his career had been
abandoned.
His staggering defiance was oil gone, and
tears of anguish and contritiou ran down
his sunburnt cheeks.
Il know it alli-I know it all = he said,
with sitting sobs. Il have thought OF my
home until my heart yearns as If it would
break. But | don't dare to go there. i
can't bear to have my sisters see me so-it
would kill my mother! And my father will
never forgive me?'
Your father is an exccllCnt, kind man. l
said.
Il know that, but hc is stern, and when
his mind is made up, it is like melting granite
to move. him. Iwrote to him few weeks
ago telling him was willing to come back.
Here is his answer
} Martin took letter from pocket of his
tattcred coat, and gave it me to read.
In hand that trembled with emoton--in
words that seemed oil alive with the griet OF
a broken.hearted father, yet stern as that
fathers iron will-the old man had respon.
ded to his sons appeal.
Instead of money he sent him reproaches
for the past and counsel for the future. In.
stead OF inviting home with loving welcome,
he reminded him of the many and earnest
warnings with which he endeavored to check
his sons ruinous career.
you have despised those warnings he
said. You have reduced me almost to beg
gary in my old age. have sent you to
school in vain. paid twelve hundred dol
lars to keep you out Of Jail, when in fit OF
drunkenness you had set FIRE TO Squire Ames'
house. trusted two thousand dollars 10
you to set you up in business, on your solemn
pledge Of industry and fidelity. have paid
for the carriages you have broken and Tor
horses you have ruined by over driving
How have | been rewarded for all this'-
What encouragement have now to send
you money in your distress? You have for
ieited all claims upon mo. Never send or
come to me again for assistance. You have
gone wiliully from my heart and home, and
your follies have blocked up the way behind
you.'
A few words OF solemn cutrcaty that Mar
tin would by virtuous conduct redeem tho
past, concluded the ineSoraolo fathers let
ter.
you see, saia 'ne young man. VINO a"d
teco'erea "'"i'e.' ""''o ! was fVa''s' ."ufo
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