of sobriety and usefulness. He soon told his story to
his attentive listener, and informed him of the relationship he bore to
the author of the book he had purchased. As he concluded, he said, 'Oh,
my mother, why did I leave you to become the hopeless being I am?' 'Not
hopeless,' replied his companion in gentle tones. 'You have youth on
your side, and may yet be a useful and happy man. I now understand the
unaccountable interest which I felt in you when meeting you on several
occasions before I spoke to you, and I feel that Providence directed me
in the matter.' The agent stayed two days longer in the city, and then
departed, the young man with him, for with the promptitude of his
nature, to resolve was to act. He directed his course toward Virginia,
the star of hope leading him on, and finally approached his native
village. No words are adequate to describe the meeting between the
lonely widow and her long lost, but now returning and penitent son. When
informed that his father had been for some years dead, the shock to him
was great, overpowering, but he uttered no repining word. 'I could not,'
said he, 'expect the happiness of meeting both my parents again after
causing them so much sorrow, and let me be humbly thankful that it is
allowed me to cheer the declining years of my aged mother.' I well
remember," said Mrs. Knights, "the return of the young man to his home,
it was but a short time before I left Virginia; but I have been informed
by friends still residing there that he was for several years the staff
and support of his mother, of whom it might be said, 'her last days were
her best days.' After the death of his mother, as he had no living tie
to bind him to the spot, he removed to another section of country, where
he married and is now a useful and respected member of society. And now
boys," said Mrs. Knights, "allow me in conclusion to say to you all as
one, as you value your own well-being in time and eternity, be sure that
you honor and obey your parents; think of what the end of this young man
might have been, and shun his example. But I see that the hour for tea
is near at hand; and for a time I will leave you to amuse yourselves,
while I assist in preparing your tea; and if you have been interested in
my story, I may tell you another when you next pass a rainy afternoon at
our house." We all thanked the kind lady for the interesting story, and
I fear one very much hoped that the next day we chanced to pass