The lad was insensible when he left him a short time before; now signs of returning animation were visible.
"Mother!--mother! Where is mother ?" he at last said, opening his eyes, and glancing from face to face of those who were gathered around him.
"You have nearly killed your mother," replied.

Mr.Howland, expressing, without reflection, the feeling of anger toward the lad that was still in his heart.
An instant change was visible in the countenance of Andrew; a change that caused the physician to turn suddenly from his patient and say, in a low, severe tone-- "Sir! Do you wish to murder your child ?" Mr.Howland felt the rebuke, yet did not his eyes sink for a moment beneath the steady gaze of the physician, who, after a moment's reflection, added-- "Pray, sir, don't speak to your child in this way at the present time.

It may be as much as his life is worth.

If he have done wrong, his punishment has been severe enough, Heaven knows! How is his mother ?" "Better.

She has recovered from her faintness," replied Mr.Howland.
The door opened while he was yet speaking, and Mrs.Howland came in, looking pale and agitated.