Ah, it would
take more than the loving pressure of a mother's hand to ease the pain
which he was suffering. The touch of that pure hand increased the pain
to agony.
"Do you feel better?" asked Mrs. Lewis. She had remained some time with
her hand on his forehead.
"Not much," he replied; "I think a walk in the open air will do me
good," he added, rising.
"Don't go out, James," said Mrs. Lewis, a troubled feeling coming into
her heart.
"I'll only walk a few squares," he replied, as he hurried down the
street.
"There is something more than headache the matter with him," thought
Mrs. Lewis.
For half an hour James walked without any purpose in his mind beyond the
escape from the presence of his mother. At last his walk brought him
near Mr. Carman's store, and in passing, he was surprised at seeing a
light within.
"What can this mean?" he asked himself, a new fear creeping into his
trembling heart.
He listened by the door and windows, but he could hear no sound within.
"There's something wrong," he said; "what can it be? If this is
discovered what will be the end of it? Ruin! ruin! O my poor mother!"
The wretched young man hastened on, walking the streets for two hours,
when he returned home. His mother met him when he entered, and with
unconcealed anxiety, asked him if he were better.
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