And even a greater distance was beginning to exist--the distance that lies between a pure mind and one that is corrupt.

As Andrew grew older, he grew worse, and the sphere of his spiritual quality began to be felt, oppressively, at times, by Emily, during the periods of their brief intercourse.
Moreover, she was ever hearing some evil thing laid to his charge.
At length their intimate intercourse came to an end, and, with the termination of this, was removed the last restraint that held the lad in bounds of external propriety.

The cause of this termination we will relate: As Andrew grew older, he grew more and more self-willed, and strayed farther and farther from the right way.
Social in his feelings, he sought the companionship of boys of his own age, and by the time he was seventeen, had formed associations of a very dangerous character.

Though positively forbidden by his father to be out after night, he disregarded the injunction, and went from home almost every evening.

At home there was nothing to attract him; nothing to give him pleasure.