"Do you feel better?" asked Mrs. Lewis. She had remained some time with her hand on his forehead.
"Not much," he replied, and rising as he spoke, he added, "I think a walk in the open air will do me good."
"Don't go out, James," said Mrs. Lewis, a troubled feeling coming into her heart.
"I'll walk only a few squares." And James went from the parlor and passed into 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 at passing he was surprised at seeing a light within.
"What can this mean?" he asked himself, a new fear creeping, with its shuddering impulse, into his 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! My poor mother!"
The wretched young man hastened on, walked 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. He said yes, but in a manner that only increased the trouble she felt, and passed up hastily to his own room.