'Well, a few weeks ago, I lost a large sum of money—no matter how. I asked father to help me. I made him a solemn promise, which I would have kept, provided he had given me what I required. He refused, and I used his name to raise it.'
'O Augustus! Augustus!' exclaimed Mrs. Meeker in genuine agony.
'It's no use groaning over it,' said the young man. 'It is done; and, what is worse, it is discovered! Father will know it to-night. What I want is, money enough to take me out of the country; and if you will not give it to me, I will cut my throat before you leave the room!'
Mrs. Meeker could only reply by sobs and hysterical exclamations.
'It is of no use, mother—I mean it!' continued the young man.
'Where are you going, Augustus?' said Mrs. Meeker, faintly.
'Across the water. Give me the money, and I shall be on board ship in an hour.'
'I have only two hundred dollars in my purse,' said his mother, mournfully, producing it.
'It will serve my purpose,' answered her son. 'You can send me more after you hear from me.'
He took the money and put it into his pocket, and prepared to attend his mother to the door.