The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-11-28
PART III.

iaRA Al.
"Let us hear what the lad snys him
self" said the minEter, who had been
narrowing his eyes and bending the
tips of his fingers together upon US as
lie looked from one To the other. could
see that his mood was one of deep con-
sideration. Yet the loon Robert, being
ever the favorite OF my parents, so
reused my spirit to very gale Of an-
ger that could not restrain my tongue
though / well knew that was play
ing havoc with my chances Of going 10
Holland, as so greatly desired to do.
Yet, as L own, it was no ways for love of
sanctity, but all for the sake of winning
the favor of Isobel Weir, and also be-
cause one that had been there told me
there was much gallant sword play and
good comradeship among the young col
legers Of Groningen.
Then that young supper-of-sowens,
Robert Vernon, answered that he for
gave me all my i'll words of him, because
Shat I knew 80 better, and spoke but
after my kind. II he was judged worthy
he was willing to go to Holland, for he
had call to the work and no fellowship
with those foul takers and evil livers
that were about him here in Irongray.
He was willing to give up all and adj
venture forth, il the minister and his
father and mother bade him. He had
been, he knew, already called Of God.
So he spoke meekly and pitifully. till I
could have cast him into the horse pono
ip fair disgust.
"Oh, the blessed lad!" cried my moth!
er. Patrick, there is lesson for you
with your fhputing and jeering. Did
ye hear how beautifully he forgave
you?"
The minister hung awhile on Rob,
ert's words.
II suppose the youngest will have TO
CO." he said, "for by his words (at least)
he shows much more inclination to the,
work. And his parents are desirous to-
send him. Yet i am none so sure but
that one (pointing at me) might have
turned out the better man il his carnal
nature had been in O little better SUBJ
lection"
"Ah!" said my mother; "t is my Rob
ert that has the beautiful nature. Pat
rick was ever proud and upsetting from
boy. and now most cruelty overrides
the lad. 1t will be letter to separate
them"
"Well, since il must be so,~ said the
minister; "yet fear the carnal heart
within me leans to the other"
He spake as man that knows his
mind.
But at this theldevil in me rose and I
felt that in my heart which must
speak out
Euy. Hear We aii.- Yc have spoken the
worst things of me that am the eldest
son of this house They that brought
me into being nave proclaimed my
faults. They have set aside my urgent
desire-God knows all ever asked of
them. They had made me of no ac-
count--it is well. Now / will take no
more than the clothes / wear and go
forth. My ten years labor hath at least
earned so much wages as suit of gray
homespun cleading. / bid you fare
well. Father and mother, leave you
with your dear son-your perfect son.
foulness should corrupt this white, i'm
maculate lamb"
go, then, scoffer!" cried my father.
s'and never cross the threshold of the
door--so long, at least, as the house of
Irongray stands by the waters of Clu-
den and John Vernon lives to be master
Iof It'll"
But my mother put her apron TO her |
eyes and wept aloud, whereat Robert |
xx-onf orl x,,t h;e orv,e about har ,.ol,
For of certainty he had the art of |
comforting women folk, ever phrasing |
and dandying about them.
do not weep, sweet mother" he !
said; .yeu-still- have enc loving sen
left"
looked over at Robert, my brother.
"Pale wart," said 1; "were IL not for
the presence Of those whom / am bound
10 respect would even twist thy neck.
thou young hypocritel"
My father pointed TO the door.
"0ut of my house, sirrahi" he cried,
working his brows up and down in
way he had when he was sorely angered.
So / went out with all my brothers
Following after me-Duncan and Gill
bert first. and after them John, Martin
and Sandy. The five of these good lads
said not q word, but came out at my
heels, hanging their heads and looking
mighty loath and sorrowful. So Ro.-rt
>Aa1h