OR, CLARENCE MORTIMER, 99

 

made a fuss about, and let her see that I
thought I could manage my own affairs with-
out help,” said Ben. 7
Poor Ben! It would have been well for

him if some one had taken. pains to find out
how he spent his time, and if he could have
had some kind, sensible friend to counsel _
him. But he had never known such care.
So it isnot wonderful that he had false views
- on that subject as well as every other. His
_ father was wholly immersed in business, and
took little interest in the pursuits and habits
of his children. While his mother, a
worldly, fashionable woman ; was too much
devoted to her own pleasures, to disturb her-
_ self about anything else.

«© Tl tell you what, Clare,” ‘aid Dick,
ee begin this very afternoon to show your |

| Independence. Come and take a walk with