F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) Adams
Chapter 31
wasn't mischief brewing-never! I can't read my Milton in peace for
you--"
"But your son is in prison, Madam, among criminals, and subject to
the influence of their habits--"
"Precisely where I put him-where he won't disgrace the family; yes,
where he ought to be, and where he shall rot, for all me. Now, go
your way, young man; and read your Bible at home, and keep out of
prisons; and don't be trying to make Jesuits of hardened scamps like
that Tom of mine."
"I am a Christian: I would like to extend a Christian's hand to your
son. I may replace him on the holy pedestal he has fallen from--"
"You are very aggravating, young man. Do you live in South
Carolina?"
The young man says he does. He is proud of the State that can boast
so many excellent families.
"I am glad of that," she says, looking querulously over her
spectacles, as she twitches her chin, and increases the velocity of
her rocking. "I wonder how folks can live out of it."
"As to that, Madam, permit me to say, I am happy to see and
appreciate your patriotism; but if you will grant me an order of
release--"
"I won't hear a word now! You're very aggravating, young man-very!
He has disgraced the family; I have put him where he is seven times;
he shall rot were he is! He never shall disgrace the family again.
Think of Sir Sunderland Swiggs, and then think of him, and see what
a pretty level the family has come to! That's the place for him. I
have told him a dozen times how I wished him gone. The quicker he is
out of the way, the better for the name of the family."
The young man waits the end of this colloquy with a smile on his
countenance. "I have no doubt I can work your son's reform-perhaps
make him an honor to the family--"
"He honor the family!" she interrupts, twitches the shawl about her
shoulders, and permits herself to get into a state of general
excitement. "I should like to see one who has disgraced the family
as much as he has think of honoring it--"
"Through kindness and forbearance, Madam, a great deal may be done,"
the young man replies.