No seductions of billiards
or pleasant company ever kept him from the society of his mother. He
had varied sources of amusement, and many friends, attracted by his
genial temper and tried worth; but he never forgot that his mother
denied herself all intercourse with society, and was indifferent to
every pleasure out of the sphere of home. Nor did he meet her as a
matter of course; mindful of his mother's absorbing love, and heartily
returning it, he seemed always, upon entering the room, to have come
home as from a long absence. He kissed her fondly, asked concerning her
health and spirits, and how she had passed the day.
"The day is always long till you come, Walter. Tea is ready now, my
son. When you are rested, we will sit down."
"Ah, mother, you are cheerful to-day. I have brought you, besides the
papers, a new book, which we will commence presently."
"A thoughtful boy you are; but you haven't told me all, Walter. I see
something behind those eyes of yours."
"What telltales they must be! Well, I have a pretty present for you,--a
sweet picture I bought the other day, and which will come home
to-morrow, I fancy."
"Is that all? I shall be glad to see the picture, because you like it.
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