The mountain Democrat., 1865-01-07
really mortified at his companv.' )

that she trusted the lady would keep be-
resolution but she forbore.
" ms CnarIeS IHdGeJ, a.>.. yvu.,, e.>.... t.>
whom we have referred, was going home
in the evening,he met young friend who
greeted him warmly.
| was just thinking of you, Charley
he said, as they stood with clas2ed hands,
There is to be some sport tonight, and
you must enjoy it with the rest
What kind of sport?' asked Tilden.
Billiards, first, and oysters and cham.
pagne afterwards all just in you line
Who make up the party?'
Harrison, Cotton and Reed, for three.
Fine fellows, as you can testify
Tilden was about yielding his assent to
join the party when he remembered his
promise to call and see Mrs Elder. Then
there arose debate in his mind as to
which DO shouf3 fofrg2 The viSi: could
be paid to Mrs. Elder on almost any even.
ing; but this convivial party must be
Joined tonight, or not at all. The tempt
alton to break his promise was strong
lie liked billiards, and oysters and wine
were strongly alluring to the sensual ap.
petite. Still he could not satisfy his mind
that it would he right to br ak his prom.
Use to Mrs. Elder, particularly as she ap.
Peared to be the only one Of many friends
and acquaintanccs who had not grown
suddenly cold to him. As to the reason
of this change he was no in ign ORANGE
He knew that he was getting a little as
tray as he mildly termed it; but flattercd
himself that any serious danger was re-
mote; and was rather more indignant
than repentant at the mortifying cuts
which he had received from certain peo.
pie, who had once given him freely the
entire Of their houses.
Il believe, said he, after standing ST.
lent for few moments, that am engag-
ed for this evening"
| am sorry for that, Charles replied
the otLer in a tone Of regret, what is the
engagen cnt:'
| promised to call upon Mrs. Elder to,
night
'Oh! is that all IIarg Mrs Elder
The idea ola gay young chap like you
giving up billiards, oysters and cham
ragnc, for an Old woman's company l.
That is what call rich
Mrs. Ellcr and the mother of Tildcn
had been friends in girlh0od, and their
friendship hal continued q closely cling.
ing bond up to the hour Of Mrs. Tilden's
death, which took place nearly ten years
before the period Of which we are now
writing. Charles, who still retained a
vivid recollection Of his mother, knew of
this warm attachments and the knowledge
Of il hal a'ways served to draw him, with
something like affection, towards Mrs
Elder lie loved her with n kind of tilial
love; for he always seemed nearer to the
>antel one when by her side. Now this
light speech of his young friend, Instead
ii producing the effect desired wrought
only in the opposite direction. Char.cS
te,t shocked at hearing the name Of Mrs.
Elder spoken So irrcvcrcntly- and more
particularly at this time, when she, Of all
the whole circle. was nearly the only one
who still offered him her hand and spoke
to him in tones of gladnesS and welcome.
Il shall keep my promise to Mrs. FL
der. he answered, firmly.
NO. Iou are not such fool as that
said the other, coar>ely
Yes, Just such fool, if you will, re-
piled Charles. My word is passed to
Mrs Elder, and it shall not be broken
Thank God !! said Charles, as he walk
tIr1c ry,,inIs like the one in view came
yiy;Jly tn his mind thank God that |
had sufficient rcsoluti n to say no! | do
rrt think the way lust safe for nv feet
Nara than orcr ,Ir.ndv have slinncd in
tIis vay ,lirpcd and fallen in the mirc.'
An. lie drew dycp breath, with a
sense Of relief.
An, Charles. it is pleasant to see YOU
here acain.' said Mrs. Elder, with the
b!andrst of welcoming smiles, as she took
the Young mans hand that evening.-
Your mothers son must not desert an
old fri,nd. How have YOU been doing
during these many wecks?'
About as well as usual, replied Charles.
But Mrs. Elder, whose eyes were reading
every line Of his face, missed something
from his counteuance and she also mi 5,
ed something from bis voice.
As happy as usua, asked she.
The question, although unexpected,
made Charles drop his eyes to the floor
Locking up in moment, he answered;
No; not so happy as | have been. Is
it different with any, Mrs, Elder? Dove
grow sadirr as we grow cider
No; if We grow wiser and better, she
replied.
He looked down to the floor again, but
made no reply.
At yonr age, Charles, said Mrs. Elder,
when the feelings are warm, the appetite
keen to relish every indulgence, and rea
san not firmly seated on his throne, there
are few who do not fall into some excess.
But it is the law Of our being that excess
cs Of any hind bring punishment with
them. They always leave the mind op-