Woman's Trials; Or, Tales and Sketches from the Life around Us

was neglecting his studies, and pressing on towards speedy ruin. To drinking and association with the vicious, he now added gaming. Little did his mother dream of the perilous ways his f

s companion to his place of business, they went to a certain pu

d Barling, as they turned from the white mar

you time to play a g

ot very busy at t

oom, and spent a couple of hours there. Both pl

at cards for a small stake. Young Darlington was loser at first, but, after a time, regained his losses and made some advance on his fell

said he as the last

eat any thing, though both drank too frequently. At last, Darlington was ten dollars in debt to Barling, who, on bein

t you are afraid I will

I don't want to play against y

you," said

t to-day certainly,

e a quarter of an

r w

and begin again. I am

it," replied

ll be back in

ribed. From the time he became aware of the fact that Miriam had gone away with Burton for the purpose of becoming his wife, until ten o'clock at night, he was in an agony of suspense. As the uncle could not be found at the office where he w

ther remained in the chamber of the latter. As for the young man, he was cast down and distr

am, our sweet, gentle, pure-hearted Miriam, has been lured away by one of the worst of men; and!"-the young man checked himself a moment or two, and then continued-"and I have been drawn away from right paths into those

by this?" exclaimed Mrs. Darling

ve escaped. Oh, mother, will you not give up this mode of life? We have none of us been happy. I have never felt as if I had a home since it began. And you-what a slave ha

all the evils attendant on the present mode, is that of a positive loss instead of a

etter to shrink together in a single room than to continue as we are. I will

e were back again, safe from the toils that have been thrown around her,

omfort his mother? Nothin

itting together in painful suspense. No word had been spoken b

ee my dear, dear child!"

ld move from where they sat. As the former opened the street door, Miriam stood with her uncle on the threshold. Henr

r mother?" as

said Henry, in a vo

etness of an antelope, and, in a few mom

gton, in a thrilling voice, "do yo

!" came from th

e mother, wildly. "Oh, my child, wha

e mother and sisters

uncle?" asked M

ut says that he will

f that evening we wi