The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-03-21
MISCELLANY.
The Saved.

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had watched over him with all the Tenderness
of mother, since that beloved parent had
confided him to her care on her dying Deu,
six years before. She had told her OF the
dangers that would await the lad as he enter
ed upon life, and temptations OF every kind
would surround him. No fathers counsel or
example, no mothers loving word to guard or
strengthen him. Faithfully had the sister
kept watch and ward over him, entering into
all his pursuits, striving to make life as pleas
ant as their somewhat isolated position would
permit. She had a small income from a few
thousand dollars, placed at interest, and this
she eked out by teaching. They lived in q
model house, those comforts TO the small-in-
coined, but yet refined class of people. 1t
was in one Of the pleasant suburban towns,
with good air and water, and blessed peep
at the glorious sky.
They had been so happy. But now a cloud
no bigger than mans hand was rising up on
the horizon Of their serene trust; she felt Its
blighting, chilling influence Charles had
been placed with an engraver, and he had
been much absorbed by the beautiful art; but
of late he had seemed much changed he was
restless and moody. Often absent from home
on an evening, aud resentlng the kindly ex-
pressed inquiries OF his sister, she felt that
there was some influence at work upon him
which was acting against her, and undermin-
went in TO see his master, and found from him
that Charles was much less steady and indus
trious than he had been, and that he had
formed an intimacy with clerk in a neigh
boring store, who did not bear a very good
character, and Mr.. Berri was fearful it was
having ruinous effect upon him.
Ellen returned home with an aching heart,
which found no solace but in the one ejacula-
ton, "Oh, God, Father, help him, strengthen
him, guide me in the right way to influence
him" and with this prayer ever yelling up
In her full heart, she found solace.
Charles came home that night, restless and
sullen. He made no response to Ellen's efforts
for a cheerful tea-table. She had gathered up
on 1t a few of the little luxuries he was most
fond of, hoping to allure him in this most in
nocent way to some return of former feelings;
but he took no notice of them, and while her
untasted tea was before her he arose from the
table, put on his hat, and went out. 1t was
the first night he had done so, without, at
least, the show of an excuse, such as, 81
promised TO meet Patterson this evening"" or
have pledged game of chess at the club"
but this seemed so defiant, so thoughtless of
her feelings, she felt as if he must have taken
q long stride downward before he could have
done this.
All that sad evening she brooded upon
what she could do; what course she should
pursue to awaken In the erring boy sense of
his danger; how call the good angels again
around to guard and aid him. He looked I'M
happy she was sure he did not enjoy his
wrong doing, and there was comfort in that
thought; but she feared that he was becoming
so entangled with bad associates it would be
impossible for him to escape. The evening
passed slowly on each hour of the heavy
clock seemed to strike knell for one hope
after another; the twelve strokes sounded,
and she was sick at heart; he had never been
so late. Was he indeed really gone from her I?
Then her quckened ear, intensified by long
watching, caught the sound tf his loot, lit
could be no other) as it turned into the court,
with bound almost of joy, SO great was the
relief to have him once more at home. She
sprang up, that she might open the door and
speak word of welcome TO him; not re-
proach, she thought, lest l drive him from me.
But he entered hastily, opening the door with
his night key; he pushed past her, and rush.
ed up stairs to his own room. She could only
see that he looked unnaturally wild and hag-
gard. She did not follow him, but when he
had been some time in his room, she stole
gently to the door, that she might judge of
his state. She could hear him toss restlessly
upon his bed, and groans, and EXPLANATIONS
burst from him. She prayed there, SO near
him, and yet all unseen by him, that he might
be guided safely through this terrible conflict
When Charles came into the breakfast room
he did not raise his eyes TO his sister, but said
huskily-
"will you give me s152 Twill repay you
before long,"
II cannot, Charles; all the money have
just now is the $40 laid aside for the rent If
| take that, aud you do not pay me before it is
due,we shall loose our home:you wouldn't like
that, know Charlie dear We feel our mother
blesses this place, and the thought OF her as
ISOLATED with it consecrates it for u.s.
An expression of fierce agony crossed his
features. be said not word more, but dart
ed out. An impulse he knew not what-but
Is 1t wrong TO believe it an influence from
that mothers spirit-impelled her TO put on
her cloak and follow him. II may save from
one rash act" said she, aud catching the water
proof which hung in the entry she covered
herself with its long folds and drew the hood
closely around her face. was but seconds
work, but when she stepped ourof the door
Charles stood upon the horse car, which hap
pened to be passing the head of the court as
he went out. She rapidly followed, took the
next car and was fortunate enough TO secure
the upper seat where she could keep watch of
all who got out of the vehicle ahead.
She saw him get out at Boylston street.
She followed him TO jewelers. establish
meEt. She knew there was lad here who
had been dear friend of Charles, before he
got drawn in with his present bad associates.
She hoped he was going to consult with him
on the present troubles he was in, and per-
haps get aid in some way. To her surprise,
as she passed and repassed the window, she
saw he was chatting quite galy with his
young friend, while he was examining gold
chains. tSoon other customers entered the
store. The young man was called away and
after almoments hesitation, Charles left the
store.
"What will he do next?" was Ellen's
thought.
He passed her with rapid strides. He did
not recognize her muflied form. She followed
on, and on, toa strange part of the town. He
entered low dirty looking shop. What could
1t be for? Her heart sank within her, She
peered into the window, and the sight she
saw froze her heart. Charles stood with a
sparkling gold chain in his hand, which he
was evidently endeavoriug TO pawn!
Finally she saw the mar give him money,
and take the chain. Her brother-yes, her. till
then almost innocent brother-eame out
from that polluted shop, shorn OF half his man
hood, his eyes glancing lurtively around. AS
soon as he was gone out of sight, she went
into the shop, and with a quiet dignity of
manner, which repulsed the iorwardness of
the jew pawnbroker, she said.
You received a chain from a young man
just now. Irequire you to give it to me, and
will repay you the money advanced upon
It."
"a pretty thing, that, for me to do. The
chain Is worth twice what Ipaid, and what
am to do when the yonng man claims it
Miss ?"
"Hc will not come again for it, will guar
antee that. Please give it to me-"