"It may be so. I learned a verse from the Bible last night; it was this: 'Seest thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.'"
Alfred had sense enough to know that the lad had the best of the argument. He therefore turned on his heel and walked away, followed closely by his sister, though not until she had given Harrison a parting nod and smile.
Poor fellow! he had not been at home many days before the rich pastry and confections with which his parents pampered his appetite, laid him on a bed of sickness. During his confinement he was so fretful and hard to please that his patient little sister at length became weary of staying at his bed-side, and was glad to escape to the open, shady balcony, where she could have a glimpse of the cheerful countenance of her new friend.
With a child's quickness of discernment, however, she soon discovered that he was not as happy as when she first knew him. He no longer whistled when busy at his work, and his face at times wore a look of anxious care. Ella tried her utmost to persuade him to confide his griefs to her, but in vain; he smiled sadly, but shook his head.
It was indeed true that sorrow and anxiety had entered the abode of Mr. Danforth. Since his employment in the saloon he was often out a great part of the night; sometimes not returning home for days together. When he did so, his whole character seemed so much changed for the worse that his poor wife could take no comfort in his society. It was quite evident that he had entirely forgotten his pledge of abstinence from intoxicating drinks. His pallid countenance and sunken eyes would have betrayed him to his watchful wife, even if his unsteady gait and offensive breath had not done so.
For the sake of her son Mrs. Danforth wore in his presence a cheerful face, though it often concealed an aching heart, sore with its secret griefs.
"I wish we lived in the country, mother," exclaimed Harrison one evening.
"Why! my dear, those were just my thoughts at that moment; but perhaps sorrow would follow us even there."
"We might have a little farm. Wouldn't that be nice? I don't think there are any oyster saloons in the country, mother."
"Perhaps not, dear; but those who are disposed to run into temptation, will find danger lurking everywhere."