OR, CLARENCE MORTIMER. 117

 

Clare stared in some amazement as he
complied with this request, and Hal, coming
in just at this moment, was also invited to
hear what Mrs. Mortimer had to say.

ce Clare,” said his mother, ‘you are a
weak boy, I never mick you till last night.
I never suspected that you could be so
easily tempted to do wrong.” |

‘*Oh, mother,” said Clare, ‘‘ have you
lost all confidence in me? ”

‘« Yes, Clare, I have lost all confidence in
you,” said his mother, sadly, ««I cannot be
expected to trust a boy who has not only
wilfully deceived me, but has broken a
solemn promise, solemnly given. I have
therefore changed all my plans regarding
you. I could not have a moment’s peace —
living in a city so full of temptations as this,

with a son I am afraid to trust; so I have