f
anything had gone wrong with the game.

I said, "Nothing more than usual; that I was sorry that I could not go
to the match; that I was afraid our men would be beaten without me; that
I had a great mind to send the second keeper, George Norton, who was a
brave, honest fellow, to meet my master, and start for S---- the next
day."

"You must do no such thing," she said sharply. "You must meet Mr.
Carlos, as you promised him, yourself. If any harm should happen to the
Squire through your neglect, we shall lose the best friend we have in
the world. You must not think of leaving him to the care of another. He
will be justly displeased, and it may mar your fortune for life."

"In what way, Mother?" said I gloomily. "I think you place too much
importance on the 'Squire's good-will. I could earn my own living, if I
were out of employ to-morrow."

My mother replied, "that I was proud and ungrateful. That Mr. Carlos had
raised me out of the dirt, and I ought to be ready to lay down my life
to serve him."

I retorted. She grew angry, and for the first time in my life, she went
to bed without kissing and bidding me good-night, or wishing that God
might bless me.

I felt the omission keenly. It seemed as if my good angel had forsaken
and left me to my fate. For a long time I sat brooding over the fire. My
thoughts were full of sin. I went to the cupboard where my mother kept a
few simple medicines, and a small bottle of brandy in case of accidents
or sudden illness. I hated ardent spirits, and seldom took anything
stronger than a cup of tea or milk; or, when very tired, a little
home-brewed ale. But this night, I took a large glass of brandy--the
first raw liquor I had ever drunk in my life. Stupefied and overpowered,
I soon found relief from torturing thoughts, in a heavy, stupid sleep.

Breakfast was on the table when I unclosed my eyes. The remains of the
brandy were replaced in the cupboard, and my poor mother was regarding
me with a sad countenance and tearful eyes.

"You were ill, Noah, last night?"

"I had a confounded head-ache."

"And you did not tell me."

"You parted with me in anger, Mother. I felt so miserable! We never had
a quarrel before, and I took the brandy to raise my spirits. It had a
contrary effect. It made me drunk for the first time in my life."

"I hope it will be the last."

"Yes; if the repetition does not prove more agreeable. My temples
throb--my limbs tremble--everything is distastef