The hand on the clock's pale face marks four. His honour reminds
gentlemen of the bar that it is time to adjourn court. Court is
accordingly adjourned. The crowd disperse in silence. Gentlemen of
the legal profession are satisfied the majesty of the law has been
sustained.
Hence the guilty children, scions of rights-loving democracy, like
two pieces of valuable merchandise judicially decreed upon, are led
back to prison, where they will await sale. Annette has caught the
sound of "Guilty!"-she mutters it while being taken home from the
court, in the arms of an old slave. May heaven forgive the guilt we
inherit from a mother, in this our land of freedom!
CHAPTER XXI.
WE CHANGE WITH FORTUNE.
BUT a few months have passed since the popularly called gallant
M'Carstrow led the fair Franconia to the hymeneal altar; and, now
that he has taken up his residence in the city, the excitement of
the honeymoon is waning, and he has betaken himself to his more
congenial associations. The beautiful Franconia for him had but
transient charms, which he now views as he would objects necessary
to the gratifications of his coarse passions. His feelings have not
been softened with those finer associations which make man the kind
patron of domestic life; nor is his mind capable of appreciating
that respect for a wife which makes her an ornament of her circle.
Saloons, race-courses, and nameless places, have superior
attractions for him: home is become but endurable.
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