Martha Finley

Elsie's Friends at Woodburn (Elsie Dinsmore Collection) Martha Finley

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1887. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IL Captain Raymond had foreseen the probability that his son would be subjected to such an ordeal, and had tried--successfully as the event proved--to prepare him for it. Max was busy with his preparations for bed on the previous night, when his door opened and his father came in. "Well, my boy," he said in his usual kind, fatherly tones, "I hope you have had a happy -day and evening?" "Yes, papa; oh yes, indeed! Never had a more splendid time in all my life!" "In all your long life of thirteen years!" laughed the captain, seating himself and regarding his son with a proud, fond look. "No, sir; and such splendid presents as you i and the rest have given me! Why, I'd be the most ungrateful fellow in the world if I wasn't 'as happy as a king!" "Happy as a king?" echoed his father. "Ah, my boy, I should be sorry indeed to think that your life was to be less happy than that of most monarchs. 'Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.' "I want to have a little chat with you," he resumed, after a moment's silence, his countenance and the tones of his voice much graver than they had been a moment since. "I heard to-day that Ralph Conly, who exerted so bad an influence over my son some time ago, is to make one of the party at the Oaks." "Is he, papa? then I suppose you have come to tell me you can't let me go?" Max returned, in a tone of keen disappointment. "No," said his father, kindly, "I do not withdraw the consent I have given; you may go, but I want you to be on your guard against temptation to do wrong. "I am told Ralph professes to have reformed, but I fear it may prove to be only profession, and that he and others may try to lead my son astray from the paths of rectitude." Max looked very sober for a moment; then said with an effort, "I'll give up going papa...