at this family board. Rosalind tried to learn him to eat, and put some food in his mouth, for which, evidently, he had no appetite, or he was so excited by his novel position, that he could not give his attention to that duty. Finding himself the centre of attraction, as he looked from one to another of the group, he gave occasionally a leap and a bound, which excited their laughter, and in which he joined as heartily as any.
Mary awoke soon after, feeling greatly composed by the tranquilizing influences of sleep; and interrupted their merriment by her appearance, at which he recovered his appetite, and the customary honors of the table were soon resumed. James came the next day to take them home again, having left them the first time he was there at the urgent solicitation of Rosalind, which, however, he regretted before reaching his house. Desolate enough it seemed without the two lights that had of late radiated it, and he found food for reflection, at the thought of what was, and what might have been. Scarcely could that manly frame resist the gathering tears, as his soul ascended in praises and thanksgiving for the narrow escape from a life of degradation a kind Providence had vouchsafed to him.
Honors and fame awaited him, but nothing could win him from the side of his beloved Mary, where every evening was spent which could be spared from the pressure of business, being now admitted as a partner in the firm to which Walter first introduced him on that memorable day when he vowed before God never again to touch the intoxicating cup.
