The brother clerks : $b a tale of New-Orleans — John Shaqi
The brother clerks : $b a tale of New-OrleansTownsend, Mary Ashley
General
The brother clerks : $b a tale of New-Orleans
Townsend, Mary Ashley
New Orleans (La.) -- Fiction
Arthur turned upon his pillow with a moan. How differently had his
Sabbath been spent, and how different, in consequence, were his Monday
morning reflections! But his sorrow was not a repentant sorrow. It had
been in the morning, when he first met Guly and Wilkins, but he was
changed now. Had he not been rebuked harshly by his employer, in the
presence of all the clerks? Had he not been openly accused of the error
he had committed, read through and through by those cold, staring eyes?
Had not the attention of all the clerks been turned towards him, and his
secret been laid bare to them by the merchant's reproof, and quick,
malicious glances?
There was no longer any need of further concealment, with the resolution
of future improvement--it was all known--and to draw back henceforth,
would be but to be reminded that he had already fallen once, and could
never retake the step he had made. Such was the view Arthur took of the
case, however false a light his pride may have cast upon it; and he
buried his face, with the glow of shame upon it, deep in the pillow,
while, with bitter resentment, his young heart traced it all back to the
primal cause--the contemptuous repulse he had met with at Delancey's pew
door.
It is not a question for reflection, where the punishment for Arthur's
first real sin should rest? Was it for that young heart, till now free
from all taint or corruption, save the corruption of pride, to suffer
alone? or was it for the older and stronger spirit--the spirit stronger
still in pride, and so much older in firmness, and power, and
discipline, to bear its share?
CHAPTER IX.
_Contrition._
At noontime Guly told Wilkins that if he would bring him a trifle of
fruit from the Restaurant, or something of that kind, he would spend the
time allowed him for dinner with his brother, and would much prefer it.
Wilkins very cordially assented, and Guly mounted the winding stairs
slowly and thoughtfully, pushed open the old door at the head of the
staircase, which was covered with the big-lettered advertisements, and
stood before his sleeping brother.
The bar was drawn back; and, fully dressed, Arthur lay upon the humble
bed. Perhaps the first plunge into dissipation leaves a deeper
impression on youthful beauty, than the continued practice begun in
older years.
Guly was startled at the change in his brother's features, which one
night of excitement had wrought. He could see it now, as he lay there
sleeping, more perfectly than when he had been with him in the morning,
with his face full of ever-varying expression. There was a wasting upon
the skin; deep black marks beneath the eyes; the lips were pale, and the
nose seemed pinched; and his whole appearance was that of one
convalescing after a severe fit of sickness.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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