The supper hour passed in silence.

After leaving the table, Andrew, to whom the sphere of the house was really oppressive, from its entire want of cheerfulness and mutual good feeling, went out to seek the companionship of those who were more congenial.
"There's nothing pleasant here," he said, as he stood in the door, half disposed to leave the house.

"If there only was! But I won't think of it!" he added with impulsive quickness; and, as he murmured these words, he descended the steps to the street, and walked slowly away.
Thus, it will be seen, the wayward boy was virtually driven out by the harshness and want of sympathy which prevailed at home, to seek the society of those who presented a more attractive exterior, but who were walking in the paths of evil, and whose steps tended to destruction.
But, though thus thrust out, as it were, from the circle of safety, Andrew still preserved his intention of being at home at the hour beyond which his father had warned him not to be away.

It has been seen how, through an error as to time, he was betrayed into unintentional transgression.

Not an instant did he pause on his return from the theatre, but ran all the way homeward at a rapid speed.