'It was her brother,' said Mr. Thornton to himself. 'I am glad. I

may never see her again; but it is a comfort--a relief--to know

that much. I knew she could not be unmaidenly; and yet I yearned

for conviction. Now I am glad!' It was a little golden thread running through the dark web of his

present fortunes; which were growing ever gloomier and more

gloomy. His agent had largely trusted a house in the American

trade, which went down, along with several others, just at this

time, like a pack of cards, the fall of one compelling other

failures. What were Mr. Thornton's engagements? Could he stand?

Night after night he took books and papers into his own private

room, and sate up there long after the family were gone to bed.

He thought that no one knew of this occupation of the hours he

should have spent in sleep. One morning, when daylight was

stealing in through the crevices of his shutters, and he had

never been in bed, and, in hopeless indifference of mind, was

thinking that he could do without the hour or two of rest, which

was all that he should be able to take before the stir of daily

labour began again, the door of his room opened, and his mother

stood there, dressed as she had been the day before. She had

never laid herself down to slumber any more than he. Their eyes

met. Their faces were cold and rigid, and wan, from long

watching.

'Mother! why are not you in bed?' 'Son John,' said she, 'do you think I can sleep with an easy

mind, while you keep awake full of care? You have not told me

what your trouble is; but sore trouble you have had these many

days past.' 'Trade is bad.' 'And you dread--' 'I dread nothing,' replied he, drawing up his head, and holding

it erect. 'I know now that no man will suffer by me. That was my

anxiety.' 'But how do you stand? Shall you--will it be a failure?' her

steady voice trembling in an unwonted manner.

'Not a failure. I must give up business, but I pay all men. I

might redeem myself--I am sorely tempted--' 'How? Oh, John! keep up your name--try all risks for that. How

redeem it?' 'By a speculation offered to me, full of risk; but, if

successful, placing me high above water-mark, so that no one need

ever know the strait I am in. Still, if it fails--' 'And if it fails,' said she, advancing, and laying her hand on

his arm, her eyes full of eager light. She held her breath to

hear the end of his speech.




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