midnight
This Alice felt , and she came forth from her struggle stronger and more holy ; prizing above all earthly things the friends who had thus cleared for her her pathway , and turning with a sister 's love , which was all indeed she had ever known , to that one who , far away , would yet win with his unchanging affection her heart to his own . Walter Lee 's case was an illustration of the fact that many young men are led into dissipation simply from the want of proper occupation . There was in him no love of vice for itself ; but disappointed in securing Alice 's consent to his addresses , and feeling self-condemned in the effort to win her affections from Arthur , he sought forgetfulness in dissipation and excitement . He fancied he would find happiness in the ball-room , the theatre , the midnight revel , and at the gambling table . Have you not met in the changing society of a large city , one whose refined and gentle manners told of the society of a mother , a sister , or of some female friend whose memory , like an angel 's wing , was still hovering around him ? Have you not pitied him when you reflected that he was alone , far away from such good influences ? Have you not longed to say to him , I wish I could be to you what _ she _ has been , and warn you of the rocks and quicksands against which you may be shipwrecked .