The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1863-01-30

my son
She returned from me to embrace once
more the young man, who now sat with his
head upon his knees, weary, crushed in spirit,
heaving deep sighs from his overburdenod
heart.
"A true mother will never deny her son. /
answered. And, indeed. Martin never need.
ed love and sympathy-perhaps he never de-
served them-as he does now. Will his fa.
ther consent to see him2
Il do not know wept the trembling moth
er. He has loved him better than any child
we have. But he will never hear his name
mentioned now. Sometimes he lays groap-
ing oil night, and in his sleep have heard
him start and cry ont, as il he was in pain,
'Martin. you will kill me; you will kill your
father!' He isn't the same man now-he is
gloomy and silent-hc seems to be bfooding
over some great sorrow, and VIC can guess
what that sorrow is
Without designing it, the mother sent
daggers to the heart of her son. He burst
into deep cry of agony, and twisted his
hands into his hair. ! endcavored to soothc
him, and prevent his doing violence to him
self. .
Let Inc CO. said he. Let me 60. had
better to have died than ever to have come
back. Why didn't drown myself in the
river. as was tempted?'
No more of that said, somewhat
severely. The errors Of the past are to bo
retrieved, not scaled up with the black seal
of despair. | promise you. Martin, that if
you truly desire and will it, you shall be
man yet, restored to your home and friends,
and to your own self.respect. Will you 60
and tell his father he is here?'
40, I dare not!' said Mrs. Lockwood
with all his kindness, he is so stern, he is
so set against Martin now, 1t must be broken
to him by degrees, you must do it,
u shall send for him, then, answered.
But was saved the trouble by seeing Mr..
Lockwood shortly afterwards pass the house!
hailed him from the door, and invited him
to enter my study.
He came in--a tall, iron-framed man,
slightly bent, with his thin grey hair and
wan features. that looked Us if they had
known affection and became greatly recon-
ciled to it.
He sat down in the chair his son had sat
in but short time before. As watched tho
expression of his stern, sorrowful face, l
thought how strange 1t was that he. could
sit there, and think and speak OF that son as
distant and lost, unconcious that he was even
in the next room, with but half.closed door
between them.
Yet Mr.. Lockwood must have felt the in
auence of the drama that was enacting near
him. He seemed to know that wished to
talk to him about Martin.
Il have been told said I, 'that your son
has written you aletter. Is he coming back?
Il had prcscntimont when came in that
was to have my feelings wrung again, he
responded, uneasily moving, and knitting
his brow. I'D rather not talk on that sub
ject. 1t causes useless pain
Il have heard from your son. said.
.Ah?' He started and his gray eyes flick
cred with emotion, as he turned its question
ing glance upon me. He has written to your
Il have news Of him, and l inow that hc
is penitent. He would return to you If you
would receive him. A crisis in his life has
arrived; his whole future--perhaps his souls
salvation-turns upon tho event. Would
we cast off brother at such tme-how
much less son?'
1t is useless cried the old man, shaken
by anger or pain, or both. Il have tried him |;
he has failed in everything. God forgive
him can't
Has he sinncd against you seventy times
seventh mildly inquired.
Yes, and more. Yct-yet -'tis not that
l don't forgive him-I wish him well-but
he no longer has any claim, he is no longer
my son, and never mention his name to me
again.
IIc arose with violent emotions; his cane
trembling in his grasp, and he was hurrying
away, when gently detained him.
.Hear one word, and will never impor.
tune you again on this subject. l have seen
your SON..
Without speaking, he looked st me strange
ly-palc, and shaking more and morc-and
suffered himself to DO led back to chair.
Il have seen him and if know anything
Of him, Martin is a changed creature. Not
poverty only, but u realization Of his guilt
toward you, and ycarning for forgiveness,
for better life has brought him back.
Have VIC not sined-havc not-hayc you
not-against our Father, Brother LOCKWOOD
God only knows what sinner am " ex-
claimed the old man, with his head bowed
upon his cane.
And does God stand out when you return
to him, and remind you Of your many often.
ces, which he refuses to forgiven or does he
open his merciful arms and tcndcrly receive
you back7'
mo more! no more!' he groancd aloud.
Il tell you it is useless. You only agonize