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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77089 ***
+
+Transcriber's notes: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.
+New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the
+public domain.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: BROOKSIDE SERIES.]
+
+
+
+                      STOPPING THE LEAK.
+
+
+                             BY
+
+                        AUNT HATTIE.
+
+                     [Madeline Leslie]
+
+
+                           BOSTON
+                PUBLISHED BY GRAVES AND YOUNG
+                      No. 24 Cornhill.
+
+
+
+
+   Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by
+                     GRAVES AND YOUNG,
+  In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.
+
+
+
+                         DEDICATION
+
+                           ——————
+
+                             TO
+
+                   HARRY AND GEORGE COLVIN,
+
+          SONS OF MY ESTEEMED FRIENDS IN BALTIMORE,
+
+                  I dedicate this Volume,
+
+     TRUSTING IT MAY HELP THEM TO AVOID THE FOIBLES AND
+
+        EXCESSES WHICH DESTROY FORTUNE AND CHARACTER,
+
+          AND TO CULTIVATE INDUSTRY, ECONOMY, AND
+
+                  THOSE KINDRED VIRTUES
+
+            WHICH DISTINGUISH THE WISE AND GOOD.
+
+                                       THE AUTHOR.
+
+
+
+                          CONTENTS.
+
+                       [Illustration]
+
+
+                          CHAPTER I.
+    LADY-BIRD
+
+                          CHAPTER II.
+    THE RECONNOISANCE
+
+                          CHAPTER III.
+    DAYS OF YORE
+
+                          CHAPTER IV.
+    WHO IS MISTRESS?
+
+                          CHAPTER V.
+    FARM VERSUS RUM
+
+                          CHAPTER VI.
+    A RAY OF SUNSHINE
+
+                          CHAPTER VII.
+    POLICE AND CRIMINALS
+
+                          CHAPTER VIII.
+    DETECTION AND ARREST
+
+                          CHAPTER IX.
+    A PLUG IN THE LEAK
+
+                          CHAPTER X.
+    A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
+
+                          CHAPTER XI.
+    ONE LEAK STOPPED
+
+                          CHAPTER XII.
+    A SECOND LEAK STOPPED
+
+                          CHAPTER XIII.
+    FAILURE FROM LEAKS
+
+                          CHAPTER XIV.
+    HOME VERSUS OYSTER SALOON
+
+                          CHAPTER XV.
+    AFFIDAVIT
+
+                          CHAPTER XVI.
+    THE RESTORED HOME
+
+                          CHAPTER XVII.
+    DANGER AND COURAGE
+
+                          CHAPTER XVIII.
+    LEAKS ALL STOPPED
+
+
+
+                      STOPPING THE LEAK.
+
+                       [Illustration]
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+LADY-BIRD.
+
+"THERE'S a leak somewhere!" was the emphatic exclamation of Mrs. Mercy
+Lovell. "I, of course, have my own opinion where it is, but that's
+neither here nor there. 'Tisn't my way to state my opinions in a hurry."
+
+Mrs. Lovell had reached the house of her nephew the evening previous
+to that day on which I have so unceremoniously introduced her to my
+reader, and having been invited to a tour of reconnoisance through
+the spacious mansion, had, on her return to the dining-hall, given
+expression to the prudent remark,—
+
+"There's a leak somewhere!"
+
+Mrs. Everett, wife to her nephew, stood daintily holding up her
+nicely-embroidered morning wrapper, gazing in the old lady's face with
+an air of solicitude and wonder.
+
+"What do you know of the servants, child?" inquired Aunt Mercy,
+condescending to smile as she saw with what reverence her opinion had
+been received. "Very little, except that the cook makes splendid coffee
+and muffins. She has only been here three days, and breakfast is the
+only meal we have taken at home."
+
+"Goodness sakes! Why, I should be crazy with so much going abroad. Once
+a month is as much as I ever go out to take a social cup of tea with
+a neighbor, but that don't stop the leak. Who's that finikin-looking
+creature that handed round the coffee this morning? Is she honest and
+faithful to her business?"
+
+"I suppose so. She waits on the table beautifully. She's been here ever
+since we commenced keeping house, and she was the one who recommended
+the new cook. Mamma says we must try and keep her, she does up my
+dresses so nicely."
+
+"Well, what kind of a cook did you have before?"
+
+The young bride laughed merrily.
+
+"Oh, such a funny-looking woman,—nearly as broad as she was long.
+Lawrence insists she fatted on our butter; for loads of it were brought
+into the house; and yet she was always coming to me with the complaint,
+'There's no butter, ma'am.' I declare," with a heavy sigh, "I had no
+idea being married brought so much care."
+
+"What did you say to her? Did you insist on knowing what she had done
+with it?"
+
+"I insist!" There was a merry peal of laughter like the tinkling of
+silver bells. "Oh, Aunt Mercy, you're not in earnest! I told her to
+send Tom to the grocer's for more, and not trouble me."
+
+"And who is Tom?"
+
+"Now I can tell you. He's a boy, or man I suppose he'd call himself,
+since he sports mustachios, whom papa found at some out-of-the-way
+place. He had been taken up for stealing bread, because he was so very
+hungry, you know; and papa pitied him, and paid the fine, and took him
+home, where he's been ever since till I was married; and then mamma
+gave him up to me. I must have somebody to do errands, you know; and
+mamma could spare him because the coachman is good-natured and is
+willing to do such things."
+
+"Have you any more servants?"
+
+"No; Lawrence laughed at the idea of three being necessary to wait upon
+two of us, but mamma thought I ought to have a woman for myself."
+
+"A woman! What for, pray?"
+
+"Why, a dressing-woman, of course. A French woman is best,—one who can
+dress hair, and is skilful about the toilet."
+
+"If you can't dress your own hair, you are not as smart as I am. I
+never had anybody touch a comb to my head since I can remember," said
+Aunt Mercy, decidedly.
+
+Lily glanced at the stiff pug on the back of the old lady's head, and
+again the peal of music echoed through the rooms. Laughter is always
+contagious; and Mrs. Lovell's risibles were not proof against the
+appeal, even though she shrewdly suspected herself to be the object of
+it.
+
+"Well," she said, pursing her mouth, "I think we shall come at the
+bottom of the leak by and by. I may as well go to my chamber and get
+my knitting,—I suppose you have some work,—and we can talk the subject
+over."
+
+Lily colored a very little as she answered,—
+
+"I scarcely know how to sew. I mean to learn by and by. Lawrence was so
+surprised when he asked me to sew a button on his shirt that I rang for
+Ann to do it. He said he thought girls learned to sew as soon as they
+could walk."
+
+The old lady stopped short and gazed at her niece over the top of her
+glasses as if she were a new and curious specimen of the animal kingdom
+that ought to be critically examined.
+
+"For mercy's sake, child, do tell what you can do with yourself from
+morning till night!"
+
+Lily threw herself into a chair laughing till the tears stood in her
+eyes.
+
+"Why, you see," she answered, when she could speak, "I only left
+school two months before I was married; and then my time was all taken
+up with French and Italian and music. I finished the regular course
+a year before, but mamma wanted me to be very learned,—" another
+laugh,—"and then I had Monsieur Follywasher three times a week for my
+dancing-lesson."
+
+"Goodness! If I'd been your ma, I wouldn't have trusted you with a man
+who had such a heathenish name for nothing. Pray, what did you want of
+a dancing-master? You float round anyhow just like one of the fairies
+I've read of."
+
+"Monsieur Follywasher would say I owed it to him if I move gracefully.
+He's a Frenchman, though his grandfather was a German, as his name
+denotes. He's the sweetest, dearest man, with such cunning little
+whiskers, perfumed up so nicely. All the girls were in love with him."
+
+"Were you?" The gaze was almost stern this time.
+
+"I! Oh, no, indeed! Why, Lawrence had been waiting on me a year;
+besides, I don't mean exactly in love, only they admired him
+excessively. He's so handsome and graceful!"
+
+"I don't see how you ever fell in love with Lawrence. I always thought
+he was the plainest-featured of any of my nephews; and none of 'em
+would be taken for Apollo."
+
+"Oh, Aunt Mercy, you're too funny! Why, I think Lawrence is splendid.
+He's got such great black eyes, and such a heavy, curling beard,—I'm
+very proud of his beard,—and then when he smiles, he shows his elegant
+teeth. The girls used to wonder I was not afraid of him,—and he is
+sober, but he always smiles for me. I had ever so many beaus," she
+rattled on. "Papa is rich, you know, and I'm his only child; and then
+I'm not particularly ugly, I suppose," she added, with a pretty tinge
+of rose coloring her lily cheek, "but I never liked anybody till I saw
+Lawrence."
+
+The old lady gazed at the pretty creature for a moment in silence, and
+then, recalling the subject with which they began, remarked, gravely,—
+
+"I suppose you carry the keys."
+
+"What keys, Aunt Mercy?"
+
+"Why, the keys to the store-closet where the sugar and raisins and eggs
+are kept, and the keys to your bureau where you put your laces and
+rings, and all such finery."
+
+Lily's eyes were opened wider than ever. She arched her delicate
+eyebrows as she inquired, eagerly,—
+
+"What should I want of keys to the store-room? I don't even know
+whether there are locks on the doors. If there are, I suppose cook and
+Tom attend to them. Ann, of course, puts away my jewels; and she is
+responsible for their safekeeping."
+
+"Well, well," was the horrified exclamation, "I'm beat now! Why,
+the biggest fortune in Europe—and they say the Rothschilds' is the
+biggest—couldn't hold out no time against such goings-on!"
+
+Here the old lady, fearing she should say something she ought not,
+hurried to her room for her knitting. In a few minutes there was a loud
+peal at the bell, and, peering through the closed blinds, Mrs. Lovell
+saw an elegant carriage, two prancing black mares, and a liveried
+driver at the door. An elegantly dressed lady sat within the carriage,
+giving directions to the footman, whom she had sent to the door.
+
+"Mrs. Everett is at home," the old lady heard him say as he let down
+the steps for her to alight.
+
+"Mamma, come up to my room, please," called Lily, over the balusters.
+
+"So that's Mrs. Percival," said the old lady, with a sigh. "Why, she's
+dressed out like a duchess! And what a carriage! Two servants, too, as
+respectable-looking men as there are in our town. I should think they'd
+be ashamed of themselves, spending their lives so. Just look now at
+that great popinjay getting up behind. Well, well! It does beat all.
+Little I thought, when I used to give Lawrence a piece of short-cake
+for bringing in wood, that he'd cut such a dash as this."
+
+Her reverie was cut short by a quick knock at her door. And Lily, with
+a tiny hat shading her beaming face, hastened in to say,—
+
+"What will you do with yourself, Aunt Mercy? Mamma has called to take
+me out for a drive, but I'll be sure to come home before Lawrence
+leaves the store. He pretends, foolish fellow, that he likes to have me
+open the door for him."
+
+Oh, how the light sparkled from her eyes as she said this! Then she
+added, thoughtful of her duties to her guest,—
+
+"Will you ring the bell and order lunch whenever you wish it? I shall
+stop with mamma to see a friend."
+
+"La! Don't you worry about me," returned Aunt Mercy, much pleased to
+be even thought of under the circumstances. "I'll find enough to do; I
+shall hunt up Lawrence's stockings, and darn the holes. I'll take care
+of myself, never fear."
+
+Lily bent down and pressed her rosy lips to the old lady's cheek. It
+was a trifling, every-day act, but somehow it made Aunt Mercy's eyes
+grow dim.
+
+"She's a sweet, beguiling creature," she repeated to herself, rising
+and walking to the window to see the last of them, "but she's no more
+fit than a new-born babe to be trusted with a house."
+
+Lily ran lightly down the steps, nodding pleasantly both to the
+coachman and footman, who were old family servants, and then followed
+her mamma into the carriage. Mrs. Lovell lost not one motion until
+the carriage rolled away from the door, and then she sat down to her
+knitting to compose her thoughts.
+
+"Well, well," she said to herself, "no wonder Adam ate the apple, if
+Eve gave it to him with a smile like Lily's! She's pretty as a picter,
+but that don't make her fit to keep house."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE RECONNOISANCE.
+
+AUNT MERCY'S thoughts kept her busy for an hour, her stocking,
+meanwhile, growing visibly. Then she started up for a visit to the
+kitchen.
+
+"I wonder who ordered dinner," she said to herself, as she went down
+the broad staircase.
+
+The table was spread in the kitchen with cold ham, spring chicken, an
+egg omelet, and hot coffee. And around it sat cook, Ann, Tom, and a
+hugely-whiskered stranger, partaking of the highly-seasoned viands with
+great relish.
+
+To say that Mrs. Lovell was surprised would but feebly express her
+feelings, as, with one quick glance, she took in the whole scene. But
+she was far too shrewd to allow this to be perceived, and merely saying
+to the cook, "Mrs. Everett will dine at home to-day," passed on through
+the kitchen to a large pantry beyond.
+
+She had already visited this apartment once, in company with her niece,
+but now everything wore a different aspect. Cook joined her instantly,
+her cheeks glowing like fire.
+
+"It's not what I'm used to," she began, in a loud tone, "to have
+company intrude on my apartments. If ye want lunch, I'll send Tom with
+it to yer order. Mrs. Everett is the mistress here; and I'll not have
+two to dale with!"
+
+Aunt Mercy had already spied an elegant damask napkin protruding from
+a drawer under the dressers, and deigning no answer to this harangue,
+except a momentary stare over her glasses, deliberately proceeded to
+make a more thorough search of the premises than she had thought it
+prudent to do in the presence of her niece. Pulling open, therefore,
+the broad, deep drawer, she found the napkin used to enfold half a
+dozen of the delicate muffins admired so much at the breakfast-table;
+underneath it were two long, damask table-covers of the finest quality,
+soiled and stained with fruit, four damask towels, one fine linen
+pillow-case, the delicate lace ruffle torn from contact with a nail in
+the drawer, and lastly a loaf of frosted cake.
+
+Without one word of comment, and proceeding as calmly as if the
+inspection were an every-day affair, Mrs. Lovell throw one after
+another of the soiled articles across her arm, as totally unmindful of
+the abuse and coarse invectives Bridget was heaping on her head as she
+would have been of the buzzing of a fly.
+
+By this time Ann and her associates had pushed back their chairs from
+their disturbed luncheon, and were waiting to see what would follow.
+The muffins were placed on a plate in the dresser, and a net cover put
+over them, the frosted cake carefully deposited in a tin box standing
+empty on a chair, and then the old lady said, calmly,—
+
+"Ann, wont you get me a small tub? I'll show you how to take the stains
+from these table-covers while cook prepares my luncheon."
+
+Turning to the latter, who stood, her arms akimbo, casting defiant
+glances first at her and then at her companions, she said,—
+
+"Make me a cup of tea,—oolong, if you have it; one spoonful will do,
+and send it up on a tray with a slice of ham and the muffins you'll
+find in the cupboard."
+
+"Sure as yer alive, the old critter's deaf!" murmured the stranger, in
+a low voice, to Ann.
+
+"Look here!" said Mrs. Lovell, carefully gathering all the stains into
+her hand and laying them in the tub. "Pour boiling water on the spots,
+and repeat as often as it cools. Then dry them, and they'll be ready
+for the wash."
+
+Casting her eyes to the table, she saw that one of the best covers had
+been used, and she said, coolly,—
+
+"You'd better do that cloth at the same time. I see it has strawberry
+stains on it."
+
+She waited until Ann brought the large kettle from the range and poured
+on the water, and then, with another glance around the room, walked
+up-stairs, taking the box of fruit-cake with her.
+
+"Well, well!" she thought. "Sure enough, I've begun to find the
+leak. 'Twould take more than the Rothschilds' money to support such
+extravagance. 'Twill be the ruin of Lawrence before he's a year older.
+Goodness sakes! How that woman did rave! Frosted cake, coffee, and
+jellies! I'm beat now!"
+
+She sat waiting in the dining-room for her lunch to be served, and
+might have waited a month, but for a step in the hall, and a voice,
+calling,—
+
+"Lily, my Lady-bird, where are you?"
+
+"Lily's gone out to ride," explained Aunt Mercy, hurrying to the door.
+"She'll be terribly disappointed though; she calculated on being at
+home before you came."
+
+It was evident the husband was keenly disappointed, but he made an
+effort to conceal it.
+
+"I hurried through my business," he said, "to come home and lunch with
+you both. Have you ordered anything?"
+
+"Yes,—a cup of tea and some cold ham. There is coffee and muffins
+below, and chickens, if they are not all eaten up."
+
+He rang the bell with a quick jerk.
+
+"Bring up lunch for two," he said, as Tom made his appearance,—"the
+best you have."
+
+Ann came at once to lay the table.
+
+"You may set the teapot by my plate," said Mrs. Lovell. "I'll pour out
+and wait on my nephew, so you can go on with your work."
+
+She spoke pleasantly, but Ann looked sullen, and made no reply. The old
+lady had determined to improve the opportunity to enlighten her nephew
+in regard to the want of proper management in the kitchen department.
+As soon as they were alone, he opened the conversation at once.
+
+"Well, Aunt Mercy, how do you like my Lady-bird?"
+
+"I think she's the sweetest, dearest, most beguiling creature I ever
+did see!" responded Mrs. Lovell, warmly. "Why, only think! She came to
+bid me good-by when there was the beautifullest carriage waiting for
+her,—and she actually kissed me too!"
+
+"That was because you'd been praising me, I suppose," he answered,
+laughing.
+
+"No, I told her you were thought to favor me; that you were the
+homeliest of all my nephews, but she wouldn't agree to that. It's no
+kind o' use to repeat what she did say, 'cause she makes no secret
+of it I take it. I've been a-wondering whether Eve was any like her;
+'cause if she was—"
+
+"You think I'd eat the apple," he said, interrupting her. "Well, I see
+she's made a convert of you, and I'm glad to see my two best friends
+understand each other. I never shall forget what you've been to me,
+Aunt Mercy. I've told the story to Lily, and she's all ready to love
+you as well as I do."
+
+The old lady coughed and choked. Not all Bridget's invectives had moved
+her as those simple words did. But the meal was almost finished, and
+she had not yet hinted at the subject she wished.
+
+"I wonder what Mrs. Percival could be thinking of, to let her daughter
+be married till she'd learned how to manage a family. Why, Lily, pretty
+as she is, knows no more about what's going on in the house than a
+china doll."
+
+"I suppose I must take the blame of that," returned Mr. Everett, while
+a little cloud rested on his brow. "I thought she'd learn better
+when she saw the necessity for it, and so she will with a few hints
+from you. She's as light-hearted as a bird, and I would not have her
+otherwise for all the money in this rich city. But, as I wrote you,
+housekeeping is a ruinous business to a young man."
+
+"There's a dreadful leak somewhere!" she remarked, gravely. "And it
+must be stopped."
+
+"Yes," he continued, "I'm convinced that it costs us more than it
+need to, even to live in style, but how to manage is the question. My
+Lady-bird knows absolutely nothing about economy, and how she is to
+learn it without troubling her pretty self is a problem I should like
+to see solved."
+
+"It's plain there must be a head to such an establishment as this,
+Lawrence."
+
+She then proceeded to give him, in brief, the result of her morning
+reconnoisance.
+
+He bit his lip with anger, rose and paced the room, saying,—
+
+"I shall be ruined if we go on at this rate. Say, Aunt Mercy, what can
+be done?"
+
+"I've thought it all over," she said, "while I was waiting here by
+myself. 'Tisn't very convenient, but if it's duty, it must be done.
+I've set out to find the leak, and when I do, I think I can contrive to
+stop it. I'll write home to Caroline to shut up the house and go back
+to her mother's, and I'll remain and right things up, but first I must
+have authority from you and Lily, so that the servants will obey me."
+
+He answered by ringing the bell.
+
+"Tom," he said, when the youth appeared, "my aunt, Mrs. Lovell, will
+give you directions for the future. You will go to market under her
+instruction, and you may repeat what I say to Bridget and Ann."
+
+The old lady had her eye on Tom when the order was given. She was
+convinced that her first opinion of him was correct.
+
+Mr. Everett sat a few moments talking with his aunt, then wandered
+restlessly to the parlor, to see whether Lily was net in sight. Though
+absent from her but a few hours, he longed for a glimpse of her bright
+face. He ran up to her chamber, and presently called at the stairs,—
+
+"Aunt Mercy, come up here!"
+
+It was the old lady's first peep into that sanctuary, and, for a
+moment, she stood at the entrance, her keen eye glancing quickly from
+one object to another.
+
+The house was built by an old nabob on his return from a long sojourn
+in the Indies, and this room was especially fitted up for his young
+bride. On one side of the apartment the floor was raised about a foot
+and covered with marble of different colors set in mosaic. Upon this
+platform stood the bedstead covered with elaborately-wrought lace
+depending from a gilded scroll fastened to the ceiling. Curtains of
+lace and delicately-tinted rose damask partially concealed the windows.
+Chairs and lounges stood inviting the weary to repose; a costly mirror,
+reaching nearly to the ceiling and resting on gilded brackets, was
+flanked on each side by gilded statues holding lights for gas, while
+the toilet-table and its belongings were wonders of art. The young
+husband stood in the doorway leading to the dressing-room, a complacent
+smile hovering over his features as he witnessed Aunt Mercy's gaze of
+astonishment, and then said,—
+
+"Come in here; it was to show you this I called you."
+
+"It is very, very beautiful. It is like a fairy tale," she murmured,
+slowly advancing, "but—"
+
+"I know what you would say," he exclaimed, interrupting her, "and it
+is a question I sometimes ask myself: Can I, ought I, to start in
+life so luxuriously? Lily has been used to all this from her birth,
+and scarcely notices it. I do not believe she depends on costly
+surroundings for happiness, but I love to see her in the midst of
+beauty, and I think I can afford it. One thing is certain: I have not
+run in debt. Your teachings have proved too powerful for that. Now rest
+in that chair, and let me show you something."
+
+He lifted a book bound in velvet from the table and raised the clasps
+with reverence. There was a worked book-mark carefully laid in at the
+twelfth chapter of Exodus, and to this he turned.
+
+"This was my bridal gift to my Lady-bird," he said, speaking her name
+tenderly,—"the one she says she prizes most. Dear little girl! Among
+all her gay accomplishments, she had never been taught the Bible's
+blessed truths. I told her how I loved this book, and what I hoped
+it had done for me; that the warnings I found here had saved me
+from becoming what most of all she loathes,—a profligate; that its
+invitations had led me to One better than any earthly friend, because
+his love bestows all blessing. 'If you will learn to love the Bible,' I
+said, 'our affection, begun in this world, will go on ripening through
+all eternity.'
+
+"She looked full of wonder as she exclaimed, 'I always thought the
+Bible would make one gloomy.'
+
+"'But you don't call me gloomy,' I said, smiling.
+
+"'Oh, no, indeed! I will read it and love it, if it will make me like
+you.'
+
+"Since that, she has never left her room in the morning till she has
+read a chapter. See, this was what she read this morning. All the time
+I was dressing, she was talking to me about it. I can't help thinking
+that the Spirit of God is moving on her heart; and oh, what a Christian
+she would make! So full of enthusiasm and soul! Do you wonder now, Aunt
+Mercy, that I thought it not too soon to remove her from the atmosphere
+of worldliness which surrounded her at home, and have her here, where I
+could turn her thoughts to high and noble views of life?"
+
+The old lady's dim eyes answered him sufficiently.
+
+"I am glad you told me this," she murmured, her voice trembling. "I
+thought she was different from other gay girls. Have you ever taught
+her to pray, Lawrence?"
+
+He colored a little as he said, hurriedly,—
+
+"I never thought to tell these things; they seem too sacred. But you
+have been a mother to me, and—yes, I will tell you.
+
+"The morning after we were married, I took my pocket-Bible and read as
+usual. I noticed that she looked sober, but I didn't know what foolish
+fears were filling her little heart. Then I knelt in the closet,
+beckoning her to come, if she wished, and kneel by me. She did not,
+but stood leaning against the door. I offered my petition silently,
+as I had been accustomed to do, and when I arose, my poor, frightened
+Lady-bird threw herself into my arms.
+
+"'Are you going to die, Lawrence, that you pray?' she asked, quickly.
+
+"I noticed that her eyes were moist and her lips tremulous, but I
+didn't understand her fears.
+
+"'No, darling,' I said, seating her for the first time on my knee. 'I
+was thanking our good Father for my beautiful, loving wife; and then I
+asked him to teach me to care for your best comfort, so that you might
+never regret you had left your father and mother, and come to live with
+me.'
+
+"I wish you could have seen her face brighten. She put her cheek close
+to mine, and said, softly,—
+
+"'I would like to thank him too, but, Lawrence,' she added, in a
+moment, 'I thought,—I always heard, people prayed to God when they knew
+they must die, so that they could go to heaven, you know. I thought God
+was angry with us, and wanted us to be sober all the time, and not at
+all loving and nice.'
+
+"I was really frightened to see how ignorant she was, even of the
+simplest Bible truths, and thought our morning could not be better
+spent than in telling her what glorious news was contained in its pages.
+
+"I began with the Garden of Eden, sketching briefly the stories of the
+creation and fall, so familiarly known to every Sabbath-scholar.
+
+"She was greatly excited and sometimes laughed heartily. Eve she
+condemned totally, but for Adam's sin she found some excuse,
+exclaiming, with a tear in her eye,—
+
+"'He loved her so well, you know, Lawrence.'
+
+"From this point, I went rapidly on to the birth of the Saviour, when
+she frequently interrupted me by asking,—
+
+"'Is it true, Lawrence,—is this all true? Oh, why did nobody ever tell
+me of it before? And you say he's been loving me all this time?'
+
+"Her head sank lower and lower on her breast, until I lifted it with a
+kiss. 'When you kneel again,' she asked, hiding her face in my neck,
+'will you ask him to forgive me?'
+
+"'Yes, darling, I'll ask him now.'
+
+"This time we knelt together, and I implored the forgiveness and mercy
+of God for us both, and asked that our love for each other might
+increase, as it certainly would, if we obeyed the rules given us for
+our conduct in the sacred word.
+
+"I never saw such a holy light on her face as beamed there when we
+arose. I gathered her in my arms, and vowed while life lasted to do all
+in my power for her happiness."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+DAYS OF YORE.
+
+AUNT MERCY stealthily wiped a tear from her eye, and finding she had no
+voice to answer, was hastening from the room, when a sweet voice in the
+hall arrested her steps.
+
+"Oh, I'm sorry I stayed so then! Where is he?" was the hurried
+exclamation.
+
+Lawrence started forward, laughing, and caught her in his arms.
+
+"Here I am, my truant bird, ready to hear you defend yourself. Why were
+you not here to open the door for me?"
+
+"Are you really sorry?" she asked, after a searching glance in his
+face. "I wish I'd been here, for I had a tedious ride, after all.
+Mamma's friend wanted to shop; and I was so tired of hearing silks and
+tissues and laces discussed I—What do you think I did?"
+
+"Sat in the carriage and thought of me, of course."
+
+She laughed merrily, exclaiming, as she glanced archly at Aunt Mercy,—
+
+"Did you ever see such a man?"
+
+"He always was a little vain," was the old lady's remark.
+
+"I did, I did!" she exclaimed. "I thought what a kind, patient husband
+you are, and how hard I would try to be worthy of you."
+
+A softened light beamed in his eyes as he whispered fond words of
+endearment in her ear.
+
+
+It was not a light task Mrs. Lovell had undertaken, when she promised
+her nephew that she would do her best to find and stop the leak.
+Whenever she stepped her foot into the kitchen, it was the signal
+for cook, Ann, and Tom to maintain a profound silence. If she asked
+a question, they either did not answer at all or pretended profound
+ignorance of the subject in question. The drawers and dressers were
+thoroughly overlooked, but there the work of reform seemed to stop. The
+servants took pleasure in misunderstanding her orders. And every day
+proved the want of a systematic overseer in the household.
+
+One day, after the old lady had delivered a lecture in the kitchen
+on economy, the dinner was served up in so meagre a style that Mr.
+Everett, who had brought home guests, ordered it back to the kitchen,
+and sent Tom to a hotel near by for means to serve a decent repast. It
+was no time for the old lady to explain, but she made a resolve either
+to take the whole care of the household, and hire new servants, or to
+give up interfering with them. She was rather amused to see that Lily
+did not feel at all involved in the disgrace of having a poor dinner
+for her husband's guests, but was engaged in watching what he would do
+in such an emergency. She had not yet learned that it is a wife's duty
+to see that the money a husband provides for the use of his family is
+properly expended.
+
+The next morning Lily awoke feverish and languid, with a severe
+soreness in her throat. Mr. Everett was greatly alarmed, and wished at
+once to summon the doctor, but she told him she was subject to such
+attacks, and she thought with some simple remedies, such as Ann knew
+how to apply, it would soon pass away. She promised to lie quiet, let
+Ann bring her coffee to the bed, and then try to sleep.
+
+Unfortunately, Mr. Everett had a business engagement which would occupy
+most of the morning, otherwise he would not have left her. But he sent
+for his breakfast to be brought to his chamber. Then he sat by the bed
+and read the account of Christ healing the sick, after which he prayed
+the good Physician to bestow healing mercy on the dear afflicted one.
+
+"Now," he said, cheerfully, "as I cannot be with you, I shall get Aunt
+Mercy to come, and tell you some of my pranks when I was a boy; she is
+very eloquent on that subject."
+
+Lily was delighted; and her husband did not leave her until the old
+lady was duly installed in her arm-chair near the bed, her knitting in
+hand, and her glasses exactly on the end of her nose, ready to dilate
+on her favorite theme.
+
+"Did Lawrence ever tell you," she began, "how I came in the place of a
+mother to him?"
+
+"He told me quite a romantic story connected with it," answered Lily,
+her eyes sparkling with pleasure at the thought of hearing it in detail.
+
+"You will laugh, I suppose," the old lady commenced, "at the idea that
+I was ever called handsome, but there was a time when my cheeks and
+lips were rosy, my eyes bright, and my hair black and abundant. I was
+very lively, too, in those far-off days; for the world looked very fair
+and lovely to me.
+
+"My father was the richest man in the place, being the owner of the
+large factories that supplied half the village with work. I was,
+therefore, always kept at school, and was considered quite a prodigy
+in learning. One winter (how well I remember it!) I was sent to the
+academy in Leicester. It was at that time the most popular school in
+the State. It was to be my last term, and I resolved to do my best.
+
+"The teacher, whose name was Everett, was a graduate from Harvard,
+and was just commencing the study of law. He was dependent on his own
+exertions for support; and as he loved teaching, he had obtained this
+school, studying at intervals in the office of Squire Wellington, of
+Leicester."
+
+For a few moments Aunt Mercy seemed wholly absorbed in her knitting,
+but suddenly rousing herself, went on.
+
+"It is strange for me to tear away the curtain of time from those
+early days for you, so much of a stranger, to look in. But I will say,
+in brief, that young Everett paid me marked attention, which woke
+an interest for him in my heart. At last, he told me he loved me,
+and asked me to be his wife. I consented, with the proviso that my
+parents approved. One Saturday afternoon, he drove to the door of my
+boarding-house in the handsomest sleigh the town afforded, to take me
+home, in order to gain my parents' consent. This was not difficult; for
+he had brought letters of recommendation from men high in rank, whom my
+father could trust.
+
+"That was a happy Sabbath,—the happiest, I said to myself, that
+I had ever known; and I looked forward to the future with bright
+anticipations of many such days. There was only one circumstance which
+lessened my pleasure, and this was the absence of my only sister, who
+had gone to pass a few days with our grandmother.
+
+"We returned to Leicester the next morning in season for school,
+feeling that earth contained no two persons with prospects of happiness
+fairer than ours.
+
+"I had a new incentive to study,—for I wished my teacher to feel proud
+of his choice,—and at the end of the term graduated with the highest
+honors of the school, having received the prizes both for composition
+and deportment from the trustees, with the chairman of whom I had
+boarded.
+
+"I went home directly after this, and Mr. Everett returned to Harvard
+to complete his studies. He couldn't expect to have a home for me for
+several years, but I was young, and willing to wait.
+
+"Though I had left school, I did not give up my studies. I pursued a
+course of reading under the direction of my teacher; and much of our
+correspondence, during two years, was on subjects which interested me,
+connected with my reading. During the second year of our engagement,
+I accepted an invitation to visit a schoolmate near the college, and
+remained there six weeks, seeing Mr. Everett more frequently than I
+had ever done before. I used often to compare him with other young
+gentlemen who called, and had no hesitation in pronouncing him superior
+to them all.
+
+"The next year I had the small-pox, which left some few marks on
+my face. I have often since wondered that I did not feel more
+mortification on account of this disfigurement, which, to be sure,
+every one told me was slight and would entirely disappear in time.
+But I knew that if my friend was pitted so that nothing of his former
+complexion could be seen, it would only increase my affection for him,
+or rather increase the manifestation of it. I would not allow to myself
+that I could love him more.
+
+"At last, he wrote me that he had been admitted to the bar, that he had
+opened an office in the pleasant village of W—, and that he wanted me
+to fulfil my promise to be his. I laid the letter before my parents.
+My trunks were already filled with preparations for housekeeping. My
+father had long ago informed Mr. Everett that five thousand dollars lay
+waiting in the county bank for my benefit; so that nothing remained but
+to prepare dresses suitable for a bride.
+
+"I wrote an answer that I would be ready in a month. How happy I was
+then! Three times a week I received long epistles from my lover, full
+of assurances of his undying affection. Ah, how trusting I was! But the
+time was hastening when I was to be undeceived.
+
+"I had but one sister, four years younger than myself, a sweet,
+confiding girl grown suddenly to womanhood. I had from a child been
+called the beauty of the family, while Charlotte, or Lottie, as we
+lovingly called her, was plain, but years had improved her complexion
+as it had marred mine. She was of a happy temperament, flirting from
+room to room, singing, oh; so merrily!
+
+"Strange enough, she had never seen Mr. Everett, but she often gazed
+admiringly on a miniature he had sent me, wondering how it would seem
+to have a brother.
+
+"He came at last, two days before the time appointed for the wedding;
+for we were to leave directly after the ceremony, and there were many
+arrangements to be made. There was a stage-coach which passed our house
+twice in a day. It was by this in the afternoon of Tuesday that I
+expected him. In the morning, therefore, Lottie and I went out to make
+calls at the houses of some poor friends whom I might not see again for
+years. She grew tired, and I urged her to return, while I took a longer
+route home."
+
+The old lady suddenly caught off her glasses; and Lily could see bright
+drops standing in her eyes.
+
+"Can't you guess, child, what happened then?" she asked, the words
+coming with an effort.
+
+"No, Aunt Mercy; Lawrence never told me you had been married twice."
+
+"I thought I had forgotten all that weary sorrow," she murmured. "I
+thought that I could tell what followed without the dreadful pain
+at my heart which never left me for years afterward. I reached home
+soon after noon. Mr. Everett had been there for hours talking with
+Lottie,—sometimes of me, but more of herself. Why had not I told him,
+he asked, of her charms?
+
+"Then I made my appearance with the scars on my face brightened by my
+long and tedious walk. He received me politely, but I saw the change.
+How I lived through that day and the next, I cannot tell you. He
+avoided being alone with me until Thursday morning, until within a few
+hours before the time our friends would assemble, when he demanded an
+interview. He told me to hate him,—to forget him; his affection had
+changed. He loved my sister.
+
+"Pride came to bear me up; and when he saw how coldly I received this
+announcement, he charged me with not loving him as I ought,—that it
+was well for both of us that the engagement be broken. I did not
+try to undeceive him. I bowed assent, and went out,—anywhere to be
+alone,—anywhere that I might rouse myself from this dreadful dream. I
+thought I had the nightmare; that it could not be true. Only a short
+time before, and I was so happy! Now what was I? A poor, crushed,
+despised creature thrown aside as worthless.
+
+"The company came and went. I was missing, and the ceremony could not
+go on. Mr. Everett went too, but not before he had told Lottie his love.
+
+"My father was a man of easy temper, bound up in his children. I was
+afterwards told that they found me in an arbor at the bottom of the
+garden, lying on the ground insensible. The first I can remember I
+was in his arms, as he carried me to my chamber. I had never before
+seen him angry, but when I was laid on a couch, and had swallowed some
+ammonia and water, I heard him use words that made me tremble. He
+called Everett by every vile epithet he could think of. He summoned
+Charlotte into the room, and threatened her with being disinherited
+if she ever dared to speak or write to that black-hearted villain. He
+seemed to have an idea that all this would soothe me,—would avenge my
+sorrows.
+
+"It was a long, long time before I could venture forth into the fresh
+air. I felt that I was disgraced forever. I avoided company; and at
+last, my health was greatly affected. Our physician advised change of
+scene; and I went to the West with a cousin for a long visit. There
+I became acquainted with Dr. Lovell, who knew my sad history from my
+cousin. He tried to win me to brighter views of duty; and finally,
+I consented to be his wife. I was to go home for a month, where he
+would follow me and the wedding would take place immediately. The week
+before I returned, I received a letter from home, with the startling
+announcement that, during a visit to a friend in the city, Lottie had
+been privately married to Mr. Everett.
+
+"The couple then wrote my parents, begging forgiveness, but father
+returned the letter in a blank envelope. He made a will the next day,
+leaving every cent of his property to be divided between mother and
+myself. By one proviso, mother was to forfeit half hers if, as the
+clause read, she gave anything to her lost daughter. He never seemed to
+imagine that I should feel any disposition to forgive them."
+
+"But you did,—I know you did!" murmured Lily, the tears running down
+her cheeks. "You gave her a home, and took care of her boy."
+
+She caught the old lady's hand and pressed it to her lips.
+
+"Well, dear, since you know the rest, I'll end my long story."
+
+"No, please tell me. I do so want to know everything."
+
+"Perhaps you can't understand it, Lily, but as soon as my respect for
+my old teacher was gone, all my love died out. Dr. Lovell was a very
+kind husband, and as, by my father's request, he removed from the West,
+I seemed to have every wish gratified. But sorrow came soon. By a most
+singular coincidence, my father and Mr. Everett were on a train of cars
+when there was a collision. Father was not supposed to be seriously
+hurt, but my brother-in-law was killed instantly.
+
+"Now we hoped father would relent, but he did not. He refused to hear
+a word in poor Lottie's behalf; and soon disease was developed in
+consequence of his injury which, after five months, terminated his life.
+
+"I instantly sent for my sister to come to his funeral, but Lawrence
+was only three weeks old, and she was not able. Dr. Lovell visited
+her at my request a week later; and she returned with him, a feeble,
+heartbroken woman. It is sufficient to say that she had not found the
+happiness in her marriage which she expected. Mr. Everett's temper
+was seriously affected by their troubles. He was greatly prospered in
+business for a year or two, but there was a leak somewhere. Poor Lottie
+knew nothing about housekeeping; and the money he gave her for family
+purposes was not well expended; and this made him cross. I don't know
+exactly how it was, but they were always in trouble,—he constantly
+throwing the blame on her, and she retorting bitterly, until, by his
+sudden death, she was left penniless."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+WHO IS MISTRESS?
+
+IN a day or two, Lily was entirely restored to health. The story of
+Aunt Mercy had made a deep impression on her mind, causing a shade of
+thought to rest on her fair features. The old lady she treated with
+great attention, notwithstanding sundry hints thrown out by Ann that
+she was a fidgety, fussy, meddling woman; that visitors had better keep
+in their own rooms, and not interfere with what didn't belong to them.
+
+It was Mrs. Lovell's method to go into the kitchen at the most
+unexpected hours. Sometimes she arose early and took a general survey
+of the premises before any one was stirring; and then again she would
+wait till they had retired for the night; or, she would appear in the
+midst of the preparation for dinner. Finding she paid no attention to
+their sullen disregard of her wishes, cook and Tom grew more insolent
+than ever, and on one occasion bolted the door in her face. To be
+sure, she might at any minute have caused their dismissal by reporting
+their conduct to her nephew, but she reasoned that the next set might
+prove no better; and she was convinced that there were some underhand
+dealings in the kitchen which, if she could prove upon them, would be a
+lesson of warning to poor, unsuspecting Lady-bird.
+
+From the first she had suspected Tom. Ever since he could remember,
+he had lived in the street, from which he had been rescued by Mr.
+Percival after being detected in petty larceny only to be placed in
+circumstances of far greater temptation. Besides, his looks were
+greatly against him. He had a low, retreating forehead, and never
+could be made to look you full in the face. Many times the old lady
+had noticed a glance toward his fellow-servants, low, cunning, and
+malicious, such as had for an instant appeared on his face when
+notified by Mr. Everett that he was to go to market under the direction
+of his aunt.
+
+On several occasions, Aunt Mercy, whose eyes were wide open, had
+noticed glances of warning when she suddenly entered the kitchen; and
+then the cook had hurried away to the pantry, where she was apparently
+busy at work when Mrs. Lovell entered. Keeping her suspicions entirely
+to herself, she became every day more convinced that, aside from the
+great waste of every article of provision, flour, coffee, tea, sugar,
+butter, etc., there was a most mysterious disappearance of these
+articles, especially the latter.
+
+Setting her wits at work, she tried to contrive some method of
+detecting the plot. Sometimes she resolved to go in person to the
+grocer and look at the books, but though she might thus ascertain how
+much butter, for instance, had been ordered, she couldn't say it had
+not all been used in the family. The more she saw of the servants, the
+more she was convinced that, unless this terrible leak in her nephew's
+expenditures could be stopped, he would be ruined.
+
+She had been in the house nearly a month, when her nephew came one
+morning to her chamber holding a paper in his hand. His face was very
+grave as he seated himself by her, saying,—
+
+"I have just received the grocer's bill, which I ordered to be sent
+once a month. It is nearly three, and it has swelled to such an amount
+that I am frightened. Why, at this rate, our mere living will cost us
+between four and five thousand dollars a year!"
+
+"More than that, as I have calculated it," eagerly answered Aunt Mercy.
+"Beside the shocking waste, I'm convinced there's dishonesty in your
+kitchen."
+
+She related facts on which she had founded her suspicions until he grew
+very angry.
+
+"I can do no good here," she added. "As you are now situated, I am only
+one against three; for I feel confident they are all implicated. There
+must be a thorough overturn,—new servants, new rules. Some one who
+can be trusted must keep the keys to the store-room, and deal out the
+articles as they are needed. I wish Lily—"
+
+"Don't expect Lily to undertake such business," he answered, almost
+petulantly. "The drudgery and confinement would crush her; and then
+if such an arrangement be proposed, her mother would insist that we
+should break up housekeeping, and take rooms at some of the fashionable
+hotels. No, that wont do at all."
+
+He rose and walked back and forth across the room, his brow knit with
+anxiety. At length he said,—
+
+"It isn't this one bill that worries me. I can pay this easily enough,
+but it's the idea of living at such a rate of extravagance. I wish you
+had come to us at first, Aunt Mercy, before these wasteful creatures
+were established."
+
+A low, timid knock interrupted them, and Lady-bird appeared looking as
+sweet and happy as though no cares ever intruded themselves into her
+mind.
+
+"I heard your voice in here," she said, smiling upon her husband. "Are
+you getting up a conspiracy against me that you look so sober?"
+
+"Yes, darling, a conspiracy to make you more happy," he answered, for
+the time throwing all his care to the winds.
+
+
+The next day, Mrs. Lovell noticed that when Lily came to dinner, her
+eyes were red with weeping. It was so unusual a circumstance to have
+even a cloud shadowing her beaming face that she would have spoken
+instinctively of it, had she not met a warning glance from her nephew.
+A ride was planned for the afternoon, and Lawrence devoted himself to
+her comfort, as he told her, for the rest of the day.
+
+As he was passing his aunt's room while Lady-bird was preparing for the
+drive, he looked in and said, hurriedly,—
+
+"No more interference with the servants; let them go on as they please.
+I will explain when I can."
+
+"'Tisn't right, Lawrence!" She spoke decidedly.
+
+"Hush!" he said. "Lily will hear you. It's only a matter of dollars and
+cents, which is nothing in comparison with her comfort."
+
+Before she could say more, he had shut the door softly, and was gone.
+It was not till evening that she saw him again. They had gone to her
+father's to tea, and returned with some friends, who were to pass the
+night with them. When the company were talking gayly in the parlor, he
+slipped away and knocked on his aunt's door.
+
+"I came," he began "to explain what I said this morning. Instead of
+meeting me with smiles at the door, as Lily generally does, Ann came
+and informed me that her mistress wished to see me in her chamber. I
+found her weeping bitterly. Failing to get rid of your interference, I
+have no doubt it was a plan of the three to appeal to her.
+
+"First, cook rushed to her room, and gave notice of an intention to
+quit, professing that she 'could live to the end of her days with so
+swate a mistress as herself, but she couldn't stand interference, and
+niver could.'
+
+"Then Ann made a pretext of carrying an armful of dresses to the room,
+and echoed the same story. She was willing to do her best, and thought
+nothing too much trouble when she could plaze so kind a mistress, but
+everything was different from what it was when she was hired. She made
+a great favor of consenting to stay till her lady was supplied.
+
+"Lily had scarcely recovered her breath before there came a request
+for Mrs. Everett to step to the hall, and spake to poor Tom, who was
+suffering because he was going away,—back to Mr. Percival's. 'Sure
+my auld mistress never said a word about my being under any one but
+yourself, ma'am; and though I'm a poor bye, I values my character too
+much to stay where I'm not wanted.'
+
+"Ann came back and found her crying, and told a doleful tale of your
+suspicious looks, etc., ending with,—
+
+"'Feth, ma'am, it's enough to make honest folks rogues to be watching
+'em in that fashion, and so I can't risk myself nohow; for I couldn't
+tell what I'd become with the likes of Miss Lovell put over my head.'
+
+"My poor Lady-bird was terribly grieved by all this, and began to think
+trouble had come upon her in earnest, but I made light of it. I told
+her you were a thoroughly good housekeeper, and that I had requested
+you to look a little after kitchen affairs during your visit, but that
+it was an awkward job for you, and you'd be glad to be relieved of it.
+Still she looked very sober, and presently it all came out.
+
+"'Are you sure,' she said, shyly, 'that you are not sorry you took such
+a useless little girl to be your wife? I'm afraid I'm very, 'very'
+ignorant about housekeeping. I know Aunt Mercy thinks so, though she is
+so kind, and I love her so dearly.'
+
+"'You can learn,' I said, encouragingly. 'In time you will become used
+to care. You are very young yet.'
+
+"'But,' she said, with fresh tears, 'it does seem dreadful to have to
+think about servants from morning to night, and to keep the closets
+locked up, as Aunt Mercy says I ought, and give out the sugar and eggs;
+besides, I never could learn how many were needed for all the puddings
+and cake that cook makes so nicely. Oh, Lawrence, you can't tell how
+much I dread to do it!'
+
+"What could I say but that I would arrange it with cook and the rest
+to stay? I sent for them to the dining-room, and gave each of them a
+five-dollar bill, charging them to let me hear no more of their going
+to their mistress with stories of leaving. I saw they thought they had
+triumphed, and I hated myself for giving them the occasion, but there
+was no other way."
+
+"You will live to regret it, Lawrence. Lily cannot be happy while
+neglecting positive duties. How long do you imagine either the cook or
+Ann will remain content to be servants when they can be mistresses? You
+have only begun to see the trouble they will give your wife, setting
+aside all their waste and extravagance."
+
+"I know, I know," he answered, reddening, "but it can't be helped now."
+
+"I shall start for home to-morrow," she added, after a moment's pause.
+"You will need me more by and by."
+
+There was a most affectionate parting between Aunt Mercy and her
+niece. Lily kissed her repeatedly, and begged her to come again, not a
+suspicion entering her mind that the old lady's visit had been abruptly
+terminated in consequence of what had occurred; while Mrs. Lovell in
+her turn thanked her young hostess for the pains taken to make her stay
+agreeable, and reminded her that there was always a home for them in
+her house.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+FARM VERSUS RUM.
+
+LET me introduce you, dear reader, to a tall, stalwart man just opening
+the gate leading through a potato-patch to an humble cottage. This
+is his home, and through the open windows he hears the hum of merry
+voices. There is a smile on his face, and yet not a glad smile. It
+might have said,—
+
+"They seem happy notwithstanding our misfortunes."
+
+It is a most kind provision of Providence that the young are blessed
+with buoyant spirits. Troubles come, and are keenly felt, but the cloud
+soon passes away, and all is bright again.
+
+It was particularly fortunate for Mr. Allen that his children,
+who were neither few nor far between, were possessed of cheerful,
+happy dispositions; else on this bright morning, instead of hearing
+half-suppressed bursts of laughter and joyous exclamations, he might
+have listened to the notes of sorrow. He entered the open door, and
+looked within. Even he was surprised at the busy scene.
+
+The room was the largest in the house, used in winter both for
+a kitchen and sitting-room. At this moment it was littered with
+split-cane, bundles of which lay in one corner, and from which Lizzie,
+the oldest girl, had just taken a quantity, which she was slowly
+weaving into a chair for the benefit of the eager lookers-on. John,
+Mary, Bell, Carrie, and ever so many more, of all ages, from fifteen
+downward, were pressing as near as possible to the frame, while the
+baby, springing in its mother's arms, was trying to catch the end of
+one of the canes as it was alternately woven over and under the others.
+
+But I cannot expect my reader to understand why the heart of Mr. Allen
+was filled with remorse and sorrow, instead of pleasure, as he silently
+gazed on the noisy group, or why the pale, careworn face of his wife
+smote him with a sharp pang of regret.
+
+Mary Walbridge, own cousin to Lawrence Everett, was the fairest of all
+the maidens in the village of N—. She had scores of admirers; indeed,
+there was scarcely a young man, either in her own or the neighboring
+towns, but would have thought the gift of Mary's hand the richest boon
+he could ask. But, though the young girl was kind to all, her smiles
+were given alone to Joseph Allen, son of their nearest neighbor; and
+her parents approved her choice.
+
+Joseph was an only son, the heir to his father's broad acres, extending
+full two miles on the banks of the beautiful C— River. He was a merry
+youth, always welcomed by young and old, prepossessing in appearance,
+moral and upright in character. Beside all this, he loved Mary with all
+the strength of his manly heart. He could not remember the time when he
+did not love her; and so they stood together before the white-haired
+clergyman who had married their parents, and had known them from their
+infancy, and gladly took the solemn vows which made them one.
+
+Only two years did the young wife minister to the parents of her
+husband,—for she went at once to live at the farm. At the end of that
+period, Mr. Allen died; and as his wife soon followed him to his quiet
+resting-place beneath the willows, Joseph became possessor of the whole
+property.
+
+Mary's prospects of happiness were now very fair. Her little daughter
+Lizzie, named for her husband's mother, was the picture of childish
+beauty, and she had but to name a wish in order to have it gratified.
+
+Joseph, or Mr. Allen, as he was now called, had always attended school
+in the winter until two years before his marriage. He had quite a gift
+at speaking, which he was very fond of improving, and often astonished
+the old settlers by an earnest appeal at the town-meeting for money to
+be granted for a new and improved school-house.
+
+When Mary had been married five years, she had four children. She had
+grown quite matronly in form; there was a richer bloom on her cheeks,
+and a deeper, holier light in her eye than on her wedding-day.
+
+Mr. Allen was considered one of the most rising men of the town. He
+already had been chosen a member of the school committee, and had the
+pleasure of giving the land for the new and commodious building where
+his little Lizzie commenced her education. But, alas, all these bright
+prospects were to pass away! The glorious morning was to be shaded with
+clouds, and would rise to a tempest long before the sun reached the
+zenith.
+
+Having abundant means, Mr. Allen did not feel it incumbent on him
+to labor,—at least, not as his father had done. He hired men, and
+bought patented machines with which to work his farm. His own time,
+he thought, could be more profitably spent for the good of the town.
+Committee meetings, caucuses, and State conventions, roused his
+abilities, and kept his mind at work. He was thoroughly alive at such
+times, and liked the excitement. As his family rapidly increased,
+instead of sharing the care and responsibility with his wife, he grew
+more and more ambitious of town offices,—more and more fond of meeting
+his neighbors at public dinners.
+
+It was a long, long time before poor Mary would own to herself that
+her beloved husband had begun to crave the drink which intoxicates,
+but at last, the evidence became too conclusive. Once, in the depths
+of winter, he came home at midnight too much lost to reason to know
+that he was not sleeping in his bed. His wife, who for hours had been
+listening to every sound, heard the sleigh-bells as the horse turned
+into the barnyard.
+
+After waiting nearly an hour for him to come in, she aroused her oldest
+boy, and they went together to the barn, their hearts throbbing with an
+unknown dread.
+
+The faithful horse had returned to his home, and gone directly into the
+open door, where he was patiently awaiting attention, while his master
+lay in the bottom of the sleigh in the deep slumber of the drunkard.
+
+The united efforts of mother and son could not rouse him, or drag him
+farther than the floor of the barn, where they made a bed of hay for
+him, and having led the more sensible beast to his stall, retired to
+weep over this new and dreadful affliction.
+
+From this hour, Mr. Allen's path was downward, till, when Lizzie was
+fifteen years old, they were turned out of their loved home by the
+man whose rum had been exchanged for it, and removed to the small
+cottage in which we find them with barely furniture enough to render it
+habitable.
+
+Mrs. Lovell witnessed the gradual downfall of the husband of her niece
+with deep solicitude. Many and many a time, the pecuniary assistance
+she gave was all that kept them from actual suffering. A little
+time before their removal, the poor inebriate had a short return of
+consciousness. He really desired to reform, and, with many sighs,
+promised Mary, if Aunt Mercy could be induced to buy the mortgages held
+by the rumseller, and give him a chance to earn them back, he would
+sign the pledge of total abstinence.
+
+But the old lady had no faith in his perseverance. She encouraged him
+to show his penitence for the past by giving up, at once and forever,
+that which led to his ruin. She reminded him that his intemperate
+habits more than his years had made an old man of him; that he had a
+large family dependent on him for support,—children that might grow up
+an honor to society, but whom his evil example might corrupt; and she
+urged him to stop the leak in his fortune by vigorous efforts to reform.
+
+At this time, too, Lizzie, his favorite child, persuaded him to
+accompany her to a lecture on temperance. He listened to accounts of
+those who had been sunk in degradation far below him, but who had
+broken the bonds of their evil habits, and come forth from the gutter
+restored to their manhood. He resolved to add one to their number. His
+daughter watched him, while tears unconsciously stole down her cheeks.
+At the close of the lecture, he arose in response to the speaker's
+invitation, and walked slowly up the aisle, while Lizzie bowed her head
+on her hands and wept tears of joy.
+
+When Mr. Allen left his home, therefore, he did it with the full
+consciousness of all he had lost,—that he had sinfully wasted the
+patrimony bequeathed him by his parents; had deprived his wife of the
+comforts he had taught her to expect, and his children of the means to
+acquire an education.
+
+When Aunt Mercy saw that the reformation was lasting,—that her nephew
+acted like a sober, penitent man, she offered to assist them to stop
+the leak he had made in their fortune. It was by her advice they moved
+to the town of G—, where work for himself and the children could be
+obtained. She herself placed Lizzie where she could learn the art of
+seating chairs, and then supplied money to purchase a quantity of
+the material. This would furnish employment for the girls and the
+second boy. For John, the eldest, named for her husband, she had other
+plans. She wished, however, to ascertain more of his capabilities for
+business, and it was for that purpose, on her return from the city,
+that she rode twenty miles out of her way to visit her niece in her new
+home.
+
+The change from the princely mansion of Lawrence to the lowly cottage
+of his cousin was as great as could well be imagined, but Aunt Mercy
+enjoyed herself quite as well in the hut as in the palace. To be sure,
+it sounded strangely, while sitting in that uncarpeted room, the filthy
+walls of which the new inmates had felt most happy to be able to cover
+with sixpenny paper, to talk of the style and splendor of Lawrence's
+appointments, of Lily's luxurious chamber and costly dress, and feel
+that the near relation of cousins united them.
+
+The children's fingers flew rapidly over their allotted tasks as, hour
+after hour, the old lady described the sweet Lady-bird her nephew had
+won for his own, or told of the terrible leak in their housekeeping.
+
+"I'm just as sure how it will end," she exclaimed one day, laying aside
+the garment she was patching for her niece, "as I was when Joseph
+began to stay out late to those public meetings and caucuses, etc.!
+'Twouldn't take a prophet to see it either. The difference between his
+case and yours is, the money's running out of his leak, while you've
+all undertaken to stop yours."
+
+Mr. Allen had been so fortunate as to obtain regular employment in a
+nursery near his home. But still, with all their economy, Mrs. Allen
+could see it would be difficult to provide food and clothing for so
+many little ones. She had been so accustomed to have milk, butter,
+eggs, and cheese from the farm, besides vegetables, grain, and pork,
+that she scarcely knew how to cook, when every one of these must be
+bought with scanty means at the grocer's. There were five girls and
+four boys, beside herself and her husband, to provide with clothing.
+The house, poor as it was, with the little strip of land by the side
+of it, rented for eighty dollars; and then fuel and lights were to be
+bought for the approaching winter.
+
+Mrs. Lovell was scarcely surprised that Mr. Allen should often be
+plunged in despondence. He went regularly to work, struggling day after
+day against the craving of appetite for drink, but seldom smiled. The
+sad contrast between the present and the past rose continually before
+his mind, while conscience, with a voice like thunder, seemed ever
+echoing in his ears,—
+
+"This is your work!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+A RAY OF SUNSHINE.
+
+AS I have before said, Mr. Allen was naturally mirthful; and the change
+in his temperament would have cast a gloom over all the family, had it
+not been for Lizzie, whose merry face and sunny smiles chased away many
+an hour of despondence.
+
+Aunt Mercy was a shrewd observer of character. As she had before talked
+in the plainest terms to her nephew of the sin of pursuing a course
+which was not only ruining his own soul, but the peace of his family,
+so, now that she saw he was striving to amend, in her own frank way
+she strove to encourage him. Entirely ignoring his silence on all such
+occasions, she persevered in consulting him regarding the children.
+Lizzie, she said, as soon as times were a little more prosperous with
+them, must be sent to a Normal school, and prepared for a teacher.
+
+"There is a vacancy now," she added, hopefully, "in our district. I
+wish she were ready, for she would be good company for me."
+
+Joseph would not glance toward the bright eyes he was sure were asking
+his consent, but answered, in a hard tone,—
+
+"Wife couldn't spare Lizzie; and money wouldn't tempt me to let her go
+back to N—, where she would be pointed at as the drunkard's daughter."
+
+"That would not be true now, husband," murmured his wife, softly laying
+her hand on his shoulder.
+
+"I have a plan for John too," the old lady went on, "but it is a secret
+as yet. There is no need of haste; he must get a better education
+first."
+
+"Bread and butter is the first object with us," was the bitter retort.
+"You forget that we are poor."
+
+"I know as well as you do that your money has all run away," she
+answered, smiling, "but I know, also, that you are all taking hold in
+earnest to stop the leak. And, as I have a little money lying idle
+in the bank, I suppose there is no one to forbid me the pleasure of
+helping those who are trying to help themselves."
+
+Mr. Allen's chin quivered. "Wife and Lizzie will thank you," he said,
+in a subdued tone, "but my feeling is all gone."
+
+"Not quite, father!" exclaimed Bell, throwing her arms around his neck.
+"For I heard you telling Mr. Grey last night that you would bear your
+own lot without a murmur, if your family need not suffer, and the tears
+glistened in your eyes."
+
+Mrs. Lovell often noticed that Mary, when her husband entered the
+room, glanced shyly at him, to see whether the boisterous mirth of the
+children was likely to annoy him. They kept steadily at their task of
+seating chairs until near the hour in which he returned from his work,
+when they bounded out of doors, chasing each other all over their small
+enclosure, and making the air ring with their laughter.
+
+She well remembered the time when, in the earlier years of their
+married life, Lizzie, John, and Bell used to run down the road as soon
+as they heard their father's carriage-wheels, when he good-naturedly
+stopped the horse and took them all in. Now for many years he had been
+so fretful and capricious under the influence of liquor that they had
+avoided him as much as possible, quietly stealing from the room when
+he was in it, so that Jamie and Fred., the younger boys, were almost
+strangers to him.
+
+Aunt Mercy took occasion one day to call up the old reminiscences,
+and afterwards told her niece that she was quite sure it would please
+Joseph to be welcomed by the children as of old.
+
+Lizzie, who was old enough and wise enough to be taken into the family
+counsels, entered into this proposal with her usual enthusiasm. Jamie,
+Fred., and even Baby Nelly, after this, each had his or her lesson, and
+the next afternoon, when the unsuspicious father came walking gloomily
+down the road, they all set out to meet him.
+
+"See, pa!" cried Fred., reaching up, and pulling his father's coat
+to attract attention. "See what I've got for you!" And he held out a
+prettily-arranged bunch of wild wood flowers.
+
+"Nelly, too!" lisped the baby, reaching her arms out toward him.
+
+Jamie presented his offering with a quiet smile. He was the image of
+his mother in her happier days, and his upturned face reminded the
+husband so forcibly of her that, when he tried to speak, the words
+choked him.
+
+"What does it mean?" he asked, presently, turning to Lizzie, whose
+kindling eye expressed volumes.
+
+"Only that we have been telling the little ones how we used to run out
+and meet you, and they want to welcome you too."
+
+He leaned forward and kissed her, saying, softly,—
+
+"If I ever do become a good man, Lizzie, you will be the means of it."
+
+"That is because I pray 'for Christ's sake,'" she answered, in the same
+tone.
+
+Mrs. Allen was greatly delighted to see her husband come across the
+potato-patch with baby sitting on his shoulder. She stood in the
+doorway, with a smiling countenance, to receive him, Aunt Mercy and
+John pressing up behind her.
+
+The meal which followed was the most cheerful one they had enjoyed
+since they came to G—, Mr. Allen exerting himself to talk, and telling
+them more about his business than they had ever known before.
+
+[Illustration: BRIGHTER DAYS.]
+
+The next morning at breakfast, Aunt Mercy said, "I wish you had a barn,
+Joseph; for I think I could find you a cow. The little ones would grow
+fatter if they had plenty of milk."
+
+"I like milk!" exclaimed Jamie, warmly.
+
+"And we could make our own butter," said the practical John.
+
+"I know Mr. Burrel, where I work, would be glad to let us pasture a
+cow with his, if one of the boys would drive both of them," added the
+father, "but we have no barn; so it is of no use to talk about it."
+
+"I'll build one with the first money I earn teaching school!" exclaimed
+Lizzie, laughing, and there the subject was dropped.
+
+But Mr. Allen thought of it again, as he walked back to his work. He
+thought, also, of a remark he had that very morning overheard his
+employer make to a neighbor in regard to himself, and this was,—
+
+"He's the most faithful, energetic man I ever knew. If he only had more
+enthusiasm in his nature, I'd advance him at once to be head gardener;
+for I see he's well informed."
+
+The neighbor answered, "He owned a fine piece of property once, I've
+heard, but was unfortunate, and lost everything."
+
+For the first time, a feeling that there might be hope for him in the
+future quickened his steps, and almost brought a smile to his lips.
+
+"If I could get that situation," he soliloquized, "I should have the
+pretty cottage on the grounds, and Mary could have the cow at once.
+A dozen quarts of milk in a day does make a vast difference in the
+expense of living."
+
+Mrs. Lovell lengthened her visit from week to week, because she saw
+she could be a help to her niece. A few dollars well expended made
+a sensible improvement in the comfort of the family, and a few more
+bought cloth, which Aunt Mercy's own hands made into garments greatly
+needed.
+
+Then the thoughtful old lady had begged a number of articles from
+Lawrence, which she had foreseen would help replenish the wardrobe of
+Mr. Allen against the coming winter, and enable him to accompany his
+wife to church; for it was her earnest desire that the whole family
+should be under the influence of faithful religious teaching. But at
+last, the alterations necessary in these were completed, and Mrs.
+Allen could find no excuse for urging her aunt to prolong her visit.
+Mrs. Lovell's trunk was packed, and she only waited for a letter she
+expected that morning from Lawrence before she started for home.
+
+At last Jamie, the news-carrier, as he called himself, came in sight,
+holding up an envelope, and shouting,—
+
+"It's for you, Aunt Mercy; the letters are always for you!"
+
+Though the old lady did not read it to the eager lookers-on, but
+mysteriously folded and placed it in her pocket, we will take the
+liberty to peruse it.
+
+   "DEAR AUNT,—If the boy is what you describe, I will give him a start,
+as you call it, but he must be very honest, active, and go-ahead,
+in order to succeed here, where there are so many competitors for
+fortune. He ought to be well grounded in arithmetic, and have a general
+idea of bookkeeping, though he may never advance beyond a runner, or
+errand-boy. I think well of your keeping him with you for the winter.
+
+   "As to our own affairs, I suspect I made a mistake when I gave the
+reins so completely into the hands of our kitchen functionaries. To
+speak within bounds, they are four times as extravagant as when you
+left. Indeed, the way they manage to treat their own guests, and cheat
+ours of everything that is eatable, would furnish abundant material
+for a modern novel-writer to publish a book entitled 'High Life below
+Stairs.' Where all this tends, I am beginning seriously to inquire.
+In the mean time, Lady-bird is just as sweet and beguiling as ever,
+singing and smiling in the most delightful unconsciousness that
+everything is not proceeding in the most approved manner. It is barely
+possible that I may be obliged to go to France for a month or two in
+the winter. If I do,—but I will write you further at another time.
+
+                                "Yours most gratefully,
+
+                                       "LAWRENCE EVERETT."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+POLICE AND CRIMINALS.
+
+"OH, Lawrence, what do you think has happened?" exclaimed Lily, one day
+in early autumn, running to the door, as she heard his familiar ring.
+
+"Perhaps I can guess," he answered, with a sad smile.
+
+"Did papa tell you? I have been waiting so impatiently to ask you about
+it! To think of mamma being willing to start off in such a hurry, and
+then to sell the house and furniture! She thinks we had better take the
+carriage and servants, since ours are beginning to be troublesome, but
+it is all so strange and sudden, it quite takes away my breath."
+
+He took her hand and led her to the sofa. Then, carefully closing the
+doors, he seated himself beside her, and said,—
+
+"Don't excite yourself, Lily, and I will tell you why it is necessary
+that either he or I should go. I would have told you before, only that
+I hoped the news by yesterday's steamer would have been such that all
+danger to our firm would be averted. Your father, you know, has had
+dealings with a large house in Paris for many years. We sold goods
+for them on commission, and a very profitable business it has been
+for both. Last month we heard that they were greatly embarrassed, but
+hoped, in a few weeks, to be relieved by the payment of large sums due
+them from India. Yesterday the news was so far from encouraging that
+it becomes necessary for one of the partners to be in Paris at once to
+prevent immense loss."
+
+Mr. Everett spoke calmly, but with deep seriousness, and Lily, who was
+closely watching him, said,—
+
+"And was it this which prevented you from sleeping last night, and made
+you look so very sober?"
+
+"Yes, darling, I cannot deny it. I fear a great crisis is before us."
+
+"Why don't you go yourself then? Papa says he confides greatly in your
+judgment."
+
+"He proposed it, but he is better acquainted with the business there
+than I am; and then I could not leave you, Lily. I might be detained
+six months or a year. We talked it over last night, but it was not
+fully decided till this morning."
+
+"But why does papa sell his house? He can never get another that he
+will like so well, and the beautiful furniture that mamma has taken so
+much pains to select."
+
+He drew her closer to him, as he said, "Because it is certain that our
+loss will be great, though we hope to save something from the wreck. It
+is a terrible misfortune that has come upon us, darling. I look to you
+to help me bear it patiently."
+
+Oh, what a beaming smile she gave him! But he sighed deeply, as he said
+to himself,—
+
+"Poor child, she little knows the trials before her!"
+
+"If all happens in Paris that you fear, shall we be very poor?" she
+asked, innocently.
+
+"Yes, Lily; we shall have to leave this beautiful home. I can no longer
+surround you with luxuries, or buy you freedom from care. I shall have
+to begin life anew, and how will you endure the change?"
+
+He leaned his head on her shoulder, that brave Christian man, and sighs
+that not all his trouble had caused, now made his breast heave as he
+thought of her.
+
+For a moment, the news was overpowering. Lily had, from her birth, been
+surrounded by every elegance that wealth could create. She could not
+quite realize what all this change would be. But she was a true wife,
+and the first thought, after the stunning blow, was pleasure that she
+had it in her power to comfort her husband. She looked in his face with
+a smile, though her lips were tremulous and her eyes dewy, and said,
+softly,—
+
+"But you will have your Lady-bird still, and I can learn to work and
+help you."
+
+Oh, how he pressed her to his heart, and told her she was worth more
+to him than a thousand fortunes! How he thanked her for bearing it so
+nobly!
+
+"You have stolen away my burden," he said again and again. "My greatest
+fear was for you."
+
+They talked a long time, unmindful of the repeated summons to dinner,
+and then Lily, who had been trying to comprehend the detail of
+business, whispered,—
+
+"I read yesterday how the disciples, when they sorrowed, went and told
+Jesus. I thought it so beautiful! Wouldn't he hear us if we told him
+now, and asked him to help us do right?"
+
+They knelt together side by side, while the husband poured their
+sorrows into the ear of a sympathizing Saviour. Then they arose and
+were comforted.
+
+"Can you spare time to go round through the square with me?" inquired
+Lily, as they arose from the mere form of eating. "I must be with mamma
+all I can before she goes."
+
+"Yes, Lily, but before that, I propose Aunt Mercy should come back and
+help you get rid of the servants. She is a great manager. If I had
+taken her advice, I should have been some richer than I am now."
+
+"I will write a note asking her."
+
+He nodded assent, and brought her portfolio from the library, waiting
+with some curiosity to see what she would say. The note began:—
+
+   "You will wonder, Aunt Mercy, when you read this. Lawrence and I are
+no longer rich. We are quite poor. We are to leave this house, but
+it is not decided where we shall live. Mamma goes with papa to Paris
+immediately, to try to save some of the money there. Will you come
+and help me learn to be economical? I cannot be grateful enough that
+Lawrence has told me all about it, and lets me comfort him. I feel very
+happy, but Lawrence says it is because I don't realize what is before
+me. We shall see who is right. Please come as quickly as you can. Your
+loving niece,
+
+                        "LILY."
+
+In twenty-four hours after receiving the above, the old lady landed at
+her nephew's door. She was received with open arms by Lady-bird, who,
+excepting that she was pale from a headache the previous day, looked
+bright and cheerful as a May morning.
+
+Presently Lawrence came in with a clouded brow, and, after saluting his
+aunt with a kiss, exclaimed,—
+
+"There is some rascality in this! Here is another bill from the
+grocer's. We have never consumed this amount! Aunt Mercy, I wish you
+had shipped the whole pack when you were here before."
+
+"I don't imagine Tom was overjoyed to see me," she said, quietly. "He
+scowled when he opened the door."
+
+"We must get rid of them all at once, but take off your bonnet, and we
+will talk about our arrangements. Mr. and Mrs. Percival sail to-morrow,
+leaving me to dispose of their house, furniture, horses and carriages,
+to the best advantage the times will allow. I suppose the whole may
+bring thirty thousand dollars,—perhaps a third or quarter of what they
+cost; and that is every cent they will have to live upon, unless our
+affairs in France terminate more favorably than we dare to expect."
+
+"It's a pity they didn't lay by something against a time of need like
+the present," remarked the old lady, with her usual frankness.
+
+"Papa was very rich, and he had no idea that French house would fail,"
+urged Lily, earnestly.
+
+"It's a very common thing, child, for riches to take to themselves
+wings and fly away. But, Lawrence, I hope, when you were in the
+floodtide of success, you settled something on your wife."
+
+Mr. Everett colored. "No," he answered; "we talked it over, Mr.
+Percival and I. He said Lily would be the heir to all they were worth;
+and he thought I had better put my money into the business, where it
+would yield a large profit. I'm sorry now I didn't do it."
+
+"If you had merely put by what your servants have wasted or dishonestly
+got rid of, you could have taken out a life-annuity that would have
+kept her from want. But experience must be bought, and now you've
+earned it; so we'll leave the past, and talk of the future. Have you
+intimated to the servants that they must leave?"
+
+"No, but I think they have a suspicion of it."
+
+While they had been talking, Aunt Mercy noticed two or three times a
+slight noise near the door; and now, without giving any notice of her
+intention to do so, suddenly threw it open, when Tom, who was leaning
+against it, fell sprawling into the room.
+
+Darting a cautionary glance toward her nephew, she exclaimed to the
+discomfited fellow,—
+
+"Oh, Tom you're just the one I want! I wish you'd take my trunk
+up-stairs; or, wait a minute till I've been up myself."
+
+"I was just going to ask you if I shouldn't carry it there," muttered
+Tom, in so grieved a tone that Lily, though trying to control herself,
+nearly laughed aloud.
+
+As the old lady came through the hall on her entrance, she remembered
+to have seen Ann hurrying up the stairs with a conscious-blush
+crimsoning her cheeks. Accustomed to watch every expression, she saw
+that something unusual was going on, and, calling Lily one side, she
+asked,—
+
+"Have you examined your jewel-box lately?"
+
+"No, but Ann says one of my pearl earrings is missing. I was going to
+give her the other, as one was useless, but I remembered it was a gift
+from a schoolmate."
+
+"Have you any idea how many handkerchiefs, laces, or collars you have?
+I mean could you tell if any were missing?"
+
+Lily arched her eyebrows. She could not imagine to what these questions
+were tending.
+
+"I don't know," she answered, hesitating, "but Ann can tell."
+
+"Perhaps so. We will ask her presently. Now I want you to stay in the
+parlor, where you can keep watch of Tom while I speak with Lawrence.
+Don't let him out of your sight a minute; talk to him if he leaves the
+hall. I wont be long."
+
+Calling her nephew into the back-parlor, she said, calmly,—
+
+"The servants have found out that they will be dismissed, and are
+preparing to go. Did you see how guilty Tom looked when discovered
+listening? Ann, I have no doubt, is up-stairs selecting for her own use
+articles from her mistress' wardrobe and jewel-box; and I dare say cook
+is equally export in her department."
+
+Lawrence started angrily toward the door.
+
+"Stop!" said Aunt Mercy, authoritatively. "What are you going to do? If
+you go out and charge it upon them, you have no proof; and they will
+escape you. Now hear my plan. I was sure it would come to this, and am
+only glad I am here now. Send Tom across the street for your friend Mr.
+Dix. I saw him go in with his night-key when I came. Watch the fellow
+closely that he goes nowhere else. Ask Mr. Dix to send for a couple of
+police-officers. You will need two. In the mean time, keep Tom employed
+under your eye without exciting his suspicion if you can, and take
+yourself the key to the door. I will go below and see that no one goes
+out there or comes in till the officers arrive. I have proof enough of
+their purloining to have their trunks examined."
+
+"I see, I see!" he said. "But poor Lily! I'm afraid the excitement will
+be too much for her."
+
+"Lily is not such a baby as you think her."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+DETECTION AND ARREST.
+
+THEY parted, Mrs. Lovell with rather more caution than usual descending
+the stairs to the basement, while her nephew returned carelessly to the
+parlor. The kitchen was vacant, but a sound of voices in angry dispute
+came from the pantry beyond. She advanced softly behind the door, where
+she could distinctly hear all that passed.
+
+"I'll take my oath I gave you three forks and two spoons the last time
+you came. I remember I hid them in with the butter, and you said you'd
+have to lump it over."
+
+"I lost them then. I never saw them."
+
+"I guess 'twouldn't take me long to find them!" was the angry retort.
+"If you don't pay up handsome, as you promised, I'll confiss, and have
+you put in jail."
+
+"You daren't do it; you're too deep in for that."
+
+The old lady peered through the crack behind the door, trying to get a
+view of the speaker, but she could not, as he was standing outside the
+window in the side passage.
+
+"I will, I will! You've had more of the profits than we have. Tom and
+I both agreed upon that. Feth, a good business you've made of it these
+six months."
+
+"Not more than you have. It's for our interest to keep friendly," said
+the man, in a soothing tone. "Have you got anything for me to-day? If
+it's my mistake about the spoons, I'll make it up, of course. Where's
+Ann's bundle?"
+
+"It's like a man of sinse, ye're talking now. Ann is packing some
+finery of my lady's; and sure she's long about it. Give me the basket,
+and I'll fill it while yer waiting. We must make the most of it; for
+Tom says they're breaking up intirely, and we'll have to quit. Feth,
+and I'm not sorry either; we couldn't go on much longer without those
+detective gintlemen paying us a visit. I know 'em."
+
+Cook now occupied herself with packing into the basket sundry articles
+such as she had prepared for the occasion. Rich frosted cake was taken
+from the drawer,—the woman's dress almost touching Aunt Mercy's as she
+passed in and out of the pantry,—sugar, tea, coffee, napkins, towels,
+two shirts of Mr. Everett's hanging on a clothes-frame; a large platter
+of butter was brought forward. But the basket was already so full the
+man promised to come again at night for it; and cook, laughing, said,
+"I'll find something more against that time."
+
+Mrs. Lovell in her retreat now began to be anxious for the arrival of
+the police. She had seen through the front window Mr. Dix run up the
+steps, and go away again, walking off at a rapid pace; and she knew
+that they might be momentarily expected. Up-stairs, all was perfectly
+quiet; and she hoped it would remain so for the present; for in case
+Ann made her appearance in the kitchen, she would be discovered. Cook
+would give the alarm, and the man outside take his flight.
+
+In the pantry she heard the sound of silver coin; and presently cook,
+in some indignation, exclaimed,—
+
+"It's too little. Why, the shirts alone is worth all this!"
+
+"But just think of my risk," he remonstrated.
+
+"Give 'em back then! I wont be risking my soul to save ye for such a
+trifle. Feth, it wouldn't pay the praist for confissing me. Give 'em
+back! I'd no idea of yer maneness. It's absolute chating, it is."
+
+To expedite his departure, the man had left the gate through which he
+entered ajar. He saw an officer walking slowly past, gazing up toward
+the house, and, much to the surprise of cook, with one bound, sprang
+through the window, basket and all. Greatly to Mrs. Lovell's relief,
+at this moment she saw a man in the dress of a police officer, walk
+deliberately up the front-stops, his companion stationing himself
+outside the gate.
+
+"Howly Mary, help me!" shrieked the guilty cook, as she caught a
+glimpse of Aunt Mercy, who was hastily crossing the kitchen to
+report to her nephew, and have the man arrested. "Wait till ye hear
+me confiss. It's the rogue of a Tom who stole these things and was
+disposing of 'em to this rascal. I'll confiss everything, and bless you
+as long as I live."
+
+"You shall have a chance to confess," answered Mrs. Lovell, "but it
+must be in the presence of Mr. Everett and the officers above stairs."
+
+A perfect howl of rage came from the man in the pantry, while cook
+began to cry aloud,—
+
+"It's all your doings tempting me, when I had a dacent character."
+
+Mr. Everett was talking earnestly in the hall when his aunt made her
+appearance, pale with excitement, and told him what she had seen. The
+officer nodded complacently. It was plain he liked the job. Walking to
+the door, he sprung his rattle, and presently half a dozen men in blue
+coats and brass buttons obeyed the call. To one of these he committed
+the arrest of the man below, while he told the others to be on hand in
+case any assistance was needed.
+
+In the mean time, poor Lily sat trembling on the stairs, wondering what
+Lawrence was doing with the stranger, and why Mr. Dix did not go into
+the parlor instead of standing in the hall.
+
+Making a sign of caution, Aunt Mercy went past her on to the chamber
+already described, where Ann stood with an armful of clothes as usual,
+waiting for the way to be cleared, so that she could convey them to
+the kitchen. Wondering whether it would be best to call Lily and
+examine the jewel-casket, the old lady stood a moment just before Ann,
+who nervously strove to conceal something by covering an embroidered
+wrapper over it.
+
+"What have you there?" she asked, thrown off her guard by catching a
+glimpse of silver.
+
+"Nothing but what belongs to me!" was the angry retort.
+
+"Let me see."
+
+She threw back the wrapper and discovered an elaborately-chased
+bouquet-holder, which the artful girl was carrying to her trunk.
+
+"Mrs. Everett gave it to me! It's mine!" she screamed, forgetting for a
+moment that her master was below.
+
+Lily, hearing her name mentioned, came running in. Her cheeks were a
+bright crimson, and her eyes had such a frightened stare that the old
+lady determined at whatever cost to prevent farther excitement.
+
+"You had better go to your room and put away your things," she said to
+Ann, in a tone as calm as if nothing had occurred. "I will get your
+mistress' hat; she is going out for a walk."
+
+The girl gladly left the room, though she wondered not a little at
+being allowed to do so, when Mrs. Lovell urged her niece to go to her
+mother's until the dishonest servants were out of the house.
+
+Mr. Everett, for the first time in his life, was pleased to have her
+leave him, as he dreaded the coming scene for her sake. As soon as
+she had gone, he went into the kitchen accompanied by Mr. Dix and an
+officer, and sending for Ann and Tom, told them they had been detected
+in stealing from him, and he should give them up at once to the
+officers. The basket, packed to its utmost capacity, was brought in,
+and Aunt Mercy was witness that the man who was in league with them had
+implicated all the three. Cook shrieked and offered to confess, while
+Ann tried to escape, and would have done so, but for the officer still
+at the gate, who brought her back, saying,—
+
+"No, no, you are too old for that. I think I've seen you before, my
+lovely jail-bird."
+
+Tom sat sullenly scowling at Aunt Mercy, believing her to be the one
+who had brought this trouble upon them,—the only one in the family, as
+he had often boasted to his companions, who had any sense. Mr. Everett
+then ordered Tom to accompany them to his room while they examined his
+trunk, but this he doggedly refused; nor would he give up the key until
+loudly threatened with handcuffs by the officer.
+
+I need not go into detail. In Tom's trunk, as well as in the cook's,
+were found stolen garments, silver, and other things too numerous to
+mention, while Ann's was a sight to behold. There was nothing too rare
+or costly in her mistress' establishment for her to lay her hands on.
+Wrought pocket-handkerchiefs, fine as a spider's web, laces, ornaments,
+ribbons, underclothes, two flounced dresses, books, etc., etc., etc.,
+were found rolled in her own coarse garments, and carefully hidden
+under her common dresses.
+
+Aunt Mercy stood with her hands uplifted in horror, while Ann burst
+into a louder cry at every fresh discovery. At last, she shrieked in a
+rage,—
+
+"It's yerself as is to blame for it all. I was an honest girl till
+I came here, where everything was open to my hand; and even after
+yees knew that yer old aunt suspected us, ye bid us never to spake of
+laving."
+
+"Don't you believe it, Mr. Everett," said the officer, shrugging his
+shoulders. "She's been caged before."
+
+But he did believe it, and regretted, then and afterwards, that he had
+sinned in placing temptation in their way. And he resolved, then and
+there, whenever he had servants, to watch over them and labor for their
+good. He was intensely relieved when the house was rid of the wicked
+creatures, and he could have an hour or two before summoned to court
+to appear against the grocer, Nolan, who had carried on so successful
+a business with them. On the trial, it appeared so plain that this
+man had been an accomplice from the beginning that his whole bill was
+forfeited, and Mr. Everett finally recovered from Nolan between three
+and four hundred dollars for provisions, besides table-linen, napkins,
+and silver.
+
+It was not until a late hour that Mr. Everett was at liberty to go for
+Lily, who was with her mother. The articles taken from the servants'
+trunks, and rescued from the clutches of Nolan, lay on the hall table
+and scattered about the back-parlor. Mr. Everett calmly explained what
+had happened to the astonished listener, taking the opportunity to
+explain the duty of master and mistress to their servants, which, he
+said, he was too conscious of having neglected.
+
+"And where are they? What will become of them?" murmured poor Lily,
+with blanched cheeks.
+
+"Safe in jail, my dear, where they await their trial."
+
+She gave a cry of horror, and trembled so excessively that they saw the
+wisdom of having her away during the excitement. Aunt Mercy persuaded
+her to retire at once, which she did, after wondering how they could
+get along without breakfast.
+
+"I'll send to the intelligence office the first thing," said Mr.
+Everett.
+
+"And have the same scene over again," rejoined Aunt Mercy. "No, I'll
+go myself. 'Tisn't the first time I've been in search of servants. I
+flatter myself I can tell an honest girl."
+
+The next morning Lily made her appearance just as her husband was
+pouring a cup of coffee of his aunt's manufacturing to carry to her
+chamber. She was full of wonder at the idea of breakfast being ready.
+And when she tasted the delicious waffles, in which delicacy Mrs.
+Lovell prided herself that she excelled in, declared that nothing had
+ever tasted so good.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A PLUG IN THE LEAK.
+
+THE winter had passed; and the first breath of spring found our
+family at the hut moving to the neat cottage on Mr. Burrel's grounds.
+Finding his new gardener had boasted of skill he did not possess, the
+gentleman, late in the winter, dismissed him, and advanced Allen to the
+place.
+
+They had been in their new home but a short time when it was
+ascertained at the great house that Mrs. Allen was an experienced
+dairywoman; and henceforth the care of making butter and cheese for the
+family was committed to her. Aunt Mercy remembered her promise to find
+a cow, which the new gardener had easily obtained permission to keep in
+his master's barn.
+
+Prosperity now seemed to dawn upon them, and they prized every comfort
+far more than when they had never known what it was to be deprived of
+it.
+
+As soon as the light began to dawn in the east, the family were all
+astir. The gardener's duties commenced early, and he wished, before he
+left home, to give Mary all the assistance in his power. For an hour or
+two in the morning, Lizzie, too, was able to help her mother,—skimming
+the cream or preparing breakfast, but she had begun to attend a high
+school in the village, which, as it was more than a mile from her home,
+kept her away through the entire day.
+
+John was absent at an academy, where Aunt Mercy had sent him for one
+quarter, in preparation for his business in his cousin's store. Bell
+and Carrie also attended school near by with Sarah and Ned, though
+they still had their daily tasks at the chairs, at which business they
+had become very skilful; and the proceeds of which helped greatly in
+clothing them. Every dollar which Mr. Allen earned, he gave into the
+hands of his prudent wife, and she knew what to do with them,—setting
+aside for necessary family purposes a part, and laying by a certain sum
+every week toward the accomplishment of a secret object very dear to
+the heart of her husband.
+
+Every month Mr. Allen regained more of his former cheerfulness. He was
+often heard whistling at his work; and came home with a glad smile to
+be welcomed by a whole troop of children, who needed now no prompting
+in order to present their little offerings. On the Sabbath, quite a
+procession from the cottage walked down the wide avenue on their way to
+church. First Mr. Allen, with his wife leaning on his arm, the mother
+leading restless Fred.; then Lizzie, leading another little one; and
+Bell, a third,—all with that cheerful sobriety which proved that to
+them church-going was not only a duty, but a pleasure.
+
+Yes, Mr. Allen had learned the truth of the inspired writer,—"Be not
+high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God who
+giveth us richly all things to enjoy," and had come at last to depend
+on almighty help for guidance in the right path. He was now earnest in
+teaching his children the Scripture, "Let him that thinketh he standeth
+take heed lest he fall," illustrating the doctrine by a reference to
+his own fall; while his wife reminded them how ready God is to hear and
+answer prayer for the conversion of dear friends.
+
+Mr. Burrel showed his approval of his gardener's industry and skill
+by constantly adding to their comforts. At one time he visited his
+cottage, and remarked that there was a fine opportunity behind the
+barn for raising chicken's. The very next day Jamie came home with a
+fine pair of fowls, a present from Mrs. Burrel. Later in the season,
+when the farmer was ploughing the garden, his master laid off an acre
+of ground, well fertilized, and told Allen he might plant it with
+vegetables for his family.
+
+As soon as the fruit ripened, Bell, Carrie, Jamie, and even little Fred
+were busily employed in picking it for the use of their employers.
+Strawberries, currants, raspberries, blackberries, each in their
+season, together with peas and beans from the garden, were nicely boxed
+and carried to the kitchen of the great house ready for use. Mrs.
+Burrel often remarked that she had never before taken so much comfort
+in her garden. In former years, when fruit was ordered for the table,
+there was often the excuse that the servants were too busy to pick it,
+or that it was not fully ripe.
+
+"And the Allen children are so well brought up," she said, "so
+respectful and attentive when addressed, and so thankful for any
+favors!"
+
+In this way, and by always being ready to oblige, the little ones won
+many friends. The partly-worn garments of their friends were given to
+Mrs. Allen, who astonished the donors by making them up for herself or
+children so as to appear almost as well as new.
+
+
+In Lizzie's vacation, Mrs. Burrel invited her to the mansion to assist
+in a sudden emergency, and found her possessed of so much good sense,
+and withal so lovely in disposition, that she determined to befriend
+her. Aunt Mercy, when informed of all this, was not at all surprised.
+She had always insisted that there was something about Lizzie better
+than beauty, though the young girl had enough of that, which would
+interest all those who knew her.
+
+She had just passed her sixteenth birthday; her clear hazel eyes
+beaming brightly upon one convinced the beholder that there was both
+intellect and soul in the possessor. Her complexion was of that
+exquisite fairness usually the accompaniment of auburn hair, the
+abundant tresses of which were rolled off from her broad forehead in
+a style peculiar to herself. Her mouth was rather wide, but finely
+shaped, and disclosed a set of even teeth of pearly whiteness. Add to
+this that Lizzie had a straight nose and tiny ears, the lower tips of
+which were just visible beneath her hair, that her hands and feet were
+small and well shaped, that her figure was slight and graceful, and the
+reader can form a tolerably correct fancy in regard to her appearance.
+With all this, she was exceedingly modest and diffident with strangers,
+though her bright eyes would often sparkle with intelligence or mirth
+when her shyness prevented any other display of her feelings.
+
+With her father and brothers Lizzie had a wonderful influence. Indeed,
+the only weakness he displayed on the point of expense, was in urging
+his wife to subtract something from their treasured hoard and purchase
+his favorite a silk dress for Sunday wear. But this Mrs. Allen wisely
+refused. A white muslin for summer and a thibet for winter were quite
+becoming enough and far more suitable for a girl in her circumstances.
+
+Lizzie's heart was set on teaching, and as her father now not only
+withdrew his objection to her returning to her native place, but for
+some reason greatly wished it, she applied for a situation there in one
+of the public schools.
+
+It was a disappointment to all, and especially to Mrs. Allen, that Aunt
+Mercy was still with her nephew in the city. But the family who had
+moved into a part of her house readily agreed to take the young teacher
+to board, in case her application was successful. The school was to
+commence the third week in September, and the first Monday in that
+month Lizzie was requested to meet the committee for examination. Her
+heart beat painfully as she, in company with the daughter of her old
+minister, went before them. But they were nearly all friends who had
+known her from the cradle, and who wished to put the best construction
+on her timidly-spoken replies. There was, however, one stranger present
+who, though greatly interested in the applicant, feared she was too
+youthful to maintain order in a district-school. He was the gentleman
+who had recently purchased from the liquor-dealer her father's old
+estate, and who had also been elected in his place on the school
+committee.
+
+"What do you say, Miss Lizzie?" smilingly inquired one of the
+gentlemen. "Do you think you could keep the little ones to their
+lessons?"
+
+"I don't know, sir, but I should like to try," was the eager answer,
+with so beaming a face that, as another friend remarked, "Lizzie has
+always been in an orderly family."
+
+Mr. Greenough withdrew his objection, and the young lady was duly
+informed that the school would commence three weeks from that day. How
+she succeeded, or whether she succeeded at all, will best be learned
+by a letter she wrote her parents after a week's experience in her new
+business.
+
+   "DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,—This is Saturday afternoon, and I have
+resolved to devote part of it to writing you a long letter.
+
+   "I scarcely think Fred. or Nelly would know me, I have become so
+dignified. Indeed, I scarcely know myself.
+
+   "Though I have been in school only five and a half days, yet I have had
+some exciting events, which I will relate, but first I must say that I
+have thirty-four scholars, their ages varying from eight to fourteen
+years. They are generally obedient and attentive to their studies, with
+the exception of one boy, a black-eyed urchin, who began at once to
+defy my government, and said openly that he would not have a chit of a
+girl ordering him about.
+
+   "On Tuesday morning, while the scholars were reading the Scriptures in
+turn, he whistled aloud, and tried to make his companions laugh, but
+I am glad to say they only seemed distressed for me. I know I looked
+anxious, and my cheeks burned like fire, but I thought it best to take
+no notice of his bad conduct for the time. In the afternoon, while I
+was hearing a class recite in grammar (he had refused to come out of
+his seat), he began to throw slate-pencils and wads of paper toward the
+desk.
+
+   "I looked at him as calmly as could and said,—
+
+   "'I am sure there is no pupil here who wishes to disturb the
+recitations. We can do nothing without order.'
+
+   "'I shall do as I please, here or anywhere else,' he answered,
+defiantly, and he whistled louder than ever.
+
+   "Willie Greenough, a fine boy twelve years old, came directly to my
+side, and stood there, as if he meant to defend me from insult, while
+both girls and boys cried, 'Shame!'
+
+   "During the remainder of the morning I had no trouble.
+
+   "In the afternoon, Mr. Greenough came to visit the school. I saw Willie
+smile when his father took the great chair on the platform, and judged
+at once that he had been notified of our disturbance. At recess the
+gentleman talked with me about Thomas Brown, the unruly boy. He said I
+should not be troubled with him, for he ought to be expelled.
+
+   "'Oh, no, sir,' I answered, quite forgetting my fear of the gentleman.
+'I hope to make him one of my best friends and scholars yet. If I
+cannot manage the school, I will resign it to somebody who can do so.
+I feel quite confident Thomas will be a comfort to me by and by. It is
+only a work of time.'
+
+   "He smiled pleasantly.
+
+   "'Well,' he said, 'I see you understand governing. I'll leave him with
+you for the present, on condition if you have trouble, you will send
+for me at once.'
+
+   "'Thank you, sir,' I answered, 'but Willie is so stout a defender of my
+rights, I have no doubt I shall get along very well.'
+
+   "'Ah, yes,' he said, warmly. 'You have made a friend of Willie.'
+
+   "I watched a chance for two days of talking with Thomas, but until
+Thursday night I did not succeed. Then I came upon him suddenly, and
+asked him to walk home with me.
+
+   "At first he would scarcely speak. I tried to convince him I was his
+friend, and at last, he said, sullenly,—
+
+   "'I never could bear partial teachers.'
+
+   "'How have I been partial?' I asked.
+
+   "'You let Willie Greenough do just what he's a mind to; and you smile
+at him ever so much. I saw you this morning when he gave you the
+flowers.'
+
+   "I had to bite my lips to keep from laughing, but I said,—
+
+   "'Did you know, Thomas, I used to live where Willie does now? I had a
+pretty garden then, and my father planted a rose-bush for me close by
+the window. It bore beautiful blush roses; and it was a rose from that
+very bush Willie brought me. When I smelled it, I was carried back to
+the time I was a little girl, and used to pluck them for myself. Do you
+wonder I was pleased with his little gift?'
+
+   "'Well, you let him walk home with you 'most every day.'
+
+   "'Of course I don't refuse his company, but I should have preferred
+yours, because I wanted to talk with you.'
+
+   "I then conversed with him about his studies and at last said, 'If
+I can't teach you, I must leave; for I never shall consent to your
+growing up ignorant on my account.'
+
+   "We came at last to Aunt Mercy's gate. He stood a moment awkwardly
+waking figures in the dirt with his foot, and his face as red as fire,
+and then burst out,—
+
+   "'You sha'n't leave for me. I like you tip-top, now!' And then he ran
+off as fast as he could go.
+
+   "This morning he brought me a large bunch of dahlias of a dozen
+varieties, and I think he was satisfied by the way I received them that
+I was not partial, unless it was to him.
+
+   "He has recited in every lesson since, and has not missed one word.
+
+   "This noon as I came by our old home, Mr. Greenough came out. I was
+surrounded with girls and boys, who took turns in holding my hand. He
+laughed heartily as he saw us, and said,—
+
+   "'I congratulate you, Miss Allen, on your success.'"
+
+   "I don't think I shall have any more trouble, though my rules are
+stricter than they were at first, but I explain everything, and ask who
+will help me. Thomas's hand was raised twice to-day, the first of any
+one.
+
+   "Mrs. Russell, where I board, is very kind, but I miss Aunt Mercy
+dreadfully. Please send me John's letters as soon as you receive them.
+
+                       "Your affectionate daughter,
+
+                                            "LIZZIE."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
+
+"I WONDER what is the reason some folks are always poor," muttered
+Robert Carter, a neighbor of the Allens, and also employed by Mr.
+Burrel on the farm. "I work as hard as anybody, but somehow I never get
+along."
+
+His wife, to whom the remark was made, thought it more prudent to
+remain silent, having learned from painful experience that it is not
+always wise to speak one's thoughts.
+
+"There's Allen," the man went on. "He was as poor as poverty when he
+came into town little more than a year ago. His expenses must be more
+than mine, for he has two children to my one; yet he's prospered and
+laying up money, besides sending off his children to school. I don't
+see how it is. Sometimes I get to thinking about it and I'm clear down
+at the heel."
+
+"Why don't you ask Allen?" inquired his wife, seeing he expected her to
+speak. "I'm sure I should be more'n glad to know their secret."
+
+"'Tisn't no use; it's all luck. Some folks are born to prosper and some
+isn't, that's it."
+
+"Perhaps if we saved up a little money, husband, and sent Bob and Susan
+to school, and kept Warren from robbing Mr. Burrel's garden, they might
+get the job of picking fruit. I knew the Allen children earn a good
+deal that way."
+
+"What nonsense you talk, wife! All the fixing up and schooling you
+could give our young uns would not alter it a hair. Mrs. Burrel's
+prejudiced against 'em, and wouldn't let 'em among her vines for
+nothing."
+
+"It's worth making the trial, then; four cents a box for strawberries
+and six cents a quart for shelled peas or beans, is something when it
+comes every day. Mrs. Allen told me she'd speak to the mistress for
+them if I wished. Even her little Fred. is trusted to weed, and he only
+five years old."
+
+"'Twould be worth all that to keep our boys at it," said the husband,
+only half convinced. "They'd rather be off bird-nesting, or sitting
+with their feet in the water."
+
+"Yes, I suppose so, but they'll have to learn to work sometime, and, as
+Mrs. Allen says, 'it's easier to form the habit when they're young.' I
+was telling her what a sight of work there was in her children, and she
+said they were like all children, fonder of play than of work, but the
+habit was the thing. She had to drill them into it. 'So much must be
+done, and then your time's your own.'"
+
+"I never had a fancy for taming children down that way. If you have,
+you're welcome to try, but don't bother me with it."
+
+"Mrs. Allen says she'd rather have her children work, even if they get
+nothing for it; and then she repeated off the prettiest verse. I can't
+justly remember it, but it was about Satan finding work for the idle
+hands. I thought of it all the way home, and I believe, Robert, if our
+boys were made to work, they wouldn't bring us into disgrace with their
+mischief."
+
+"Wont you tell Mrs. Allen to mind her own business? I have enough
+bother with her young ones jumping into the cart every time I go back
+empty from the field."
+
+"But you said, Robert, they were such mannerly little things it was a
+pleasure to oblige them. There was always, a 'Thank you, sir,' or a
+'Please, Mr. Carter, do I trouble you?'"
+
+"Well, well! You've talked enough about it. Give me down my pipe, and
+I'll smoke awhile before I go to bed."
+
+
+"How much do you suppose your tobacco costs you?" asked Mr. Allen,
+pleasantly, as his neighbor came walking toward him one day with a
+piece of broken pipe in his mouth.
+
+"Only the merest trifle. I don't smoke much."
+
+"Well, how much—ten cents a week?"
+
+"Rather more than that. I generally get two papers when I go to the
+store."
+
+"Say twenty-five, then, which is a low estimate. Have you ever reckoned
+that in a year that sum would be thirteen dollars,—enough to buy a suit
+of working clothes?"
+
+"I don't see what you're driving at. I could sooner do without food
+than without my pipe."
+
+"So I thought once, but I haven't touched a cigar for fifteen months.
+I was thinking of what you said about times being hard with you. It's
+these superfluities that count up with us working men. You or I would
+think it hard if our wives insisted every day on having a dainty meal
+which they couldn't share with the family. But we men, who work no
+harder than they do, spend money for what is no advantage to any one;
+for I'm sure we're better off without it."
+
+"I don't. I tried quitting it once, and I declare I was cross enough to
+bite a board nail. There's difference in people, you see."
+
+Mr. Allen laughed heartily.
+
+"I know exactly how you felt," he said. "I grew thin and lost my
+appetite, but I persevered, and now I wouldn't touch the vile weed for
+the brightest guinea you could give me. You see, neighbor," he said,
+warming with the subject, "smoking or chewing, and you do both, creates
+a thirst that water don't satisfy. You may drink and drink, but there
+will be a terrible craving still. Little by little, one is tempted
+to try stimulants until the night and morning drams are thought as
+necessary as the tobacco."
+
+This was a sore subject to Carter; for his score at the oyster saloon,
+where he went as regularly as to his meals, swallowed more than a third
+of his wages. He felt inclined to resent this plain talk from his
+fellow-laborer, but Allen had always been kind to him, and had it in
+his power to befriend him farther.
+
+"I think I know your thoughts," the gardener said, good-naturedly. "I
+heard your wife talking to mine the other night, and wondering how we
+got along so much better than our neighbors; and I thought then that
+I'd have a little talk with you. I feel an interest in your family,
+Carter, and in you, too, and I would be glad if I could help you to
+better days."
+
+"I can't say I like very well to have neighbors meddling in my
+affairs," was the somewhat surly reply. "I think I'm as competent to
+manage my business as most common men. I dare say you mean well, but
+it's no use to argue about smoking and chewing and all them things, for
+I never shall give 'em up."
+
+"Well, Neighbor Carter, I'm glad you acknowledge that my motive is
+good." And so they parted.
+
+But Mrs. Allen did not cease her efforts for the benefit of her
+neighbors. She encouraged Bell and Carrie to be kind to the children;
+and herself often called in Bob, Warren, and Susan to eat a bowl of
+bread and milk with her little flock.
+
+Mrs. Carter now often came to her for advice. She was beginning to be
+dissatisfied with her own way of living, and, under her neighbor's
+judicious instruction, had commenced a reform in her housekeeping. She
+exerted herself to the utmost to make their poor home appear pleasant
+to her husband, and refrained from detailing the constant annoyances to
+which her children subjected her by their thieving propensities. From
+Mrs. Allen, too, she learned to cook a number of relishing dishes at
+little expense, which, though he did not acknowledge it, went farther
+toward convincing him that he might possibly do without his dram than
+all else had done.
+
+"So you've had a call from the great folks," he said, one evening on
+his return from work. "I should think it was time they came, when I've
+worked on the farm two years before they ever heard of Allen. But some
+folks has the luck of attracting notice."
+
+"It was Mrs. Allen asked her to call," urged Mrs. Carter, warmly, "and
+she'd be a good friend to me and to you, if you'd let her. She spoke
+very pretty to the lady for me, and I'm to go up for washing, to try if
+I can do it to please the great folks."
+
+"That's because she didn't want the washing herself. I aint so easily
+taken in."
+
+Mrs. Carter felt her blood boil with anger, but resolved, if possible,
+to curb it. So taking a heaping platter of potatoes and a johnny-cake
+from the oven, she proceeded to place them on the table.
+
+Her husband sat down to eat in silence, the children as usual being off
+on some frolic. But curiosity to hear about their visitors at length
+prevailed over his ill-humor, and he said,—
+
+"What did you find to talk about to the ladies?"
+
+"I was after scouring the floor, and she praised me for keeping it
+neat. She said, 'if a house was ever so poor or plainly furnished,
+neatness might make it attractive.' Those were her very words. I minded
+them well."
+
+"Yes, Betsey," the man said, gazing about him with a condescending air,
+"you do keep your room a great deal smarter than you used to."
+
+Even this poor praise made her heart quite light, and she went on
+frankly to say,—
+
+"I have been thinking how I wish we owned this place. If we did, I
+could paper the walls,—I learned when I was a girl,—and with the money
+I earn at the great house, I could buy paint for the outside. Then I'd
+add green blinds,—they make a house look so genteel, you know,—and have
+a pretty patch of flowers in front. I do believe, husband, if we had a
+tidy place of our own, the children would be proud to stay in it."
+
+Her eyes beamed with pleasure at the picture she had drawn, but she was
+suddenly let down from her heights of fancy by her husband, who said,—
+
+"Wife, if you aren't too much lifted up by your green blinds, wont you
+light my pipe? I'm going to the store."
+
+"Oh, husband, if you will only stay with me! I know it hurts you to go
+there so much. I'll fix me up, and we'll take a walk together, as we
+used to. I made your tea real strong, so you wouldn't miss your drink.
+Say, wont you?"
+
+Whether it was the strong tea, or a newly-awakened desire to try the
+effect of abstinence, Mr. Carter did consent to stay at home, and cut
+wood for the rest of the evening, which concession so much elated his
+wife's spirits that she planned a number of additional improvements if
+the house were only their own.
+
+Taking in washing, as she hoped to do, involved the buying of a new
+clothes-line and pins. How to obtain them was the question, since, if
+she asked her husband for money to go to the store, he would be likely
+to say she had better give up at once, since it cost more to get ready
+than the work was worth. The berries were now in their prime, and at
+last, a lucky thought occurred to her.
+
+"If Robert will consent for once to eat a cold dinner, I will take the
+children and go into the woods for the day."
+
+Robert did consent, though not very graciously.
+
+"I can do it," he answered, "but I'm sick of improvements, as you call
+them, since I must be shut out of my own house, and left to eat dinner
+like a dog from a pail."
+
+But at night, when she returned laden with the fruits of her industry,
+and even Bob in possession of a large basket of berries, which
+he eagerly declared he could sell for ten cents a quart, the man
+acknowledged they had made a good day of it, and recommended them to
+follow the business.
+
+Mrs. Allen had many times urged her neighbors to send their children to
+the Sabbath-school, but had always been met by the excuse that they had
+no suitable clothes. Now, by means of much coaxing, she persuaded them
+to go berrying day after day, until, besides the new line and two dozen
+of pins, they had earned enough to buy cloth for two calico dresses,
+two jackets, and a pair of pants. These her kind adviser gladly cut for
+her, explaining, meanwhile, that, in the families of the poor, many a
+penny may be saved by making one's own garments instead of buying them
+at the shops.
+
+It was quite an era in the Carter family when, one fine Sabbath morning
+in September, Bob, Susan, Warren, and Nora started off together for
+Sabbath-school.
+
+Even Mr. Carter was conscious of some degree of pride as he saw them
+walk away from the house neatly dressed, while the passers-by turned
+again and again to gaze at them.
+
+"Why didn't you buy yourself a gown?" he asked, suddenly turning to his
+wife, who was standing in the doorway, shading her eyes to see the last
+of the children.
+
+"Me? Oh, my turn will come by and by. I want to fit you out next."
+
+He said no more, but on Saturday night brought her a silver dollar,
+the exact sum he had saved by going without his morning and evening
+dram,—the exercise of which self-denial cost him more than he cared to
+acknowledge.
+
+The woman was in raptures, declaring it was worth more to her than a
+dozen new gowns; that she'd be willing to wash day and night, to go
+without new dresses, if he would only give up his visits to the saloon.
+
+In truth, Mr. Allen's friendly warnings and his wife's hopeful visions
+were not without their effect, though not for his little finger would
+he acknowledge it to any one. He began to doubt whether it was all
+luck, as he had so often declared, and whether his own habits might not
+have something to do with it.
+
+The first step he took toward reform was to seize Bob and Warren, as
+they lay sunning themselves in front of the house, and give them a
+smart flogging for their laziness, assuring the astonished youngsters
+that they were old enough to earn their own living, whereas they now
+didn't earn the salt to their porridge.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+ONE LEAK STOPPED.
+
+AND now, dear reader, I will invite you to accompany me to a tasteful
+cottage in the suburbs of the great commercial city in which the early
+scenes of our story are laid.
+
+Descending from the omnibus in the great thoroughfare passing directly
+by the house, we turn into a rustic gate and enter a narrow path,
+so shaded by shrubbery that the walls of the cottage are scarcely
+visible. The building is of rough stone, of Gothic architecture, a
+wide portico running along in front of the door far enough to take in
+the long window on either side. Over the parlor window at the end,
+a pretty balcony is thrown out, giving expression, as Downing says,
+to the house. The other end, which is the sunny one, the windows are
+almost concealed by a luxuriant growth of woodbine, which is trained on
+trellises and then runs up to the roof.
+
+Glancing from side to side, as we pass on to the door, we see that the
+walk is lined with ornamental shrubs, smoke-trees, and a few plants,
+among which the scarlet geranium and a fine growth of verbenas are
+prominent. In the front portico hangs a bird-cage, from which comes a
+gush of song to welcome our arrival, but a far prettier scene than that
+without awaits us as we enter. The rooms below—a parlor on one side
+and library on the other—are open, but vacant. The hum of voices from
+the chamber arrests our attention, and we softly advance up the black
+walnut staircase, past the beautiful statue of a flower-girl in the
+niche, on toward the door of the room. It is a sacred picture. Dare we
+intrude?
+
+In the foreground, stands a tall gentleman, receiving from the arms of
+an old lady his first-born son, while the beautiful mother, pale as the
+lilies whose name she bears, looks on with mingled tears and smiles.
+
+"Don't be afraid of the little creature!" exclaims Aunt Mercy, her
+countenance showing how fully she enters into the scene. "He's neither
+sugar nor salt, and wont melt in your hands."
+
+"But it does seem so very small!"
+
+"Bigger by a couple of pounds than you were, Lawrence. He's a good
+stout fellow, considering."
+
+A feeble wail from the infant caused the father to press his lips
+softly on the tiny cheeks, and resign it quickly to the more
+experienced arms of his aunt.
+
+"Perhaps he's hungry," murmured Lily, with an anxious glance at the
+roll of flannel. "Oh, I wish babies could talk!"
+
+A holier, deeper light beamed from her eye as her husband took his
+customary seat near her.
+
+"Only think," she said, with a smile, "the doctor says I shall be able
+to ride out in a week. I wish mamma could see baby. Oh, I never knew
+babies were such little darlings!"
+
+"Aunt Mercy is in her element now," he exclaimed, laughing. "I suppose
+that is the way she used to fondle me."
+
+She drew his head down to the pillow and whispered,—
+
+"Oh, Lawrence, my heart is full of love and thanks to Him for this
+precious gift! I never knew before what happiness was. How can I best
+show my gratitude?"
+
+"We will try to train our child for his service," was the low-spoken
+rejoinder.
+
+
+Weeks flew by with rapid wings. A happy household was that where God
+was loved and honored. Lily's heart was full of joy. Every morning,
+with her own hands, she washed and dressed her babe, murmuring soft
+words of endearment, and then she folded his tiny hands in hers, and
+offered sweet, earnest petitions in his behalf.
+
+"He shall never remember when he learned to pray," she said one day to
+her husband; "for he might not have one so tender and patient to teach
+him as I had; and then I lost so many years of happiness."
+
+Lady-bird had become a full convert to Aunt Mercy's opinion that every
+wife should know how to order her own family. At first, indeed, she
+begged the old lady to do it for her, at least while she was with them,
+but the answer was,—
+
+"'Twont do to transfer your responsibility to my shoulders. I'll help
+you all I can, but you are mistress here."
+
+It was trying to the young mother to tear herself away from the
+nursery, even though Master Harry lay sound asleep in his cradle, but
+she was convinced Aunt Mercy was right. So, tucking up her dainty white
+cuffs, and donning an apron, she ran laughing to the kitchen to take
+lessons in bread and cake making.
+
+Little by little, with the judicious advice of an experienced hand
+over at her side, Lady-bird learned to cook and oversee Maggie, a
+ruddy-faced Scotch girl, who had come to them directly after the exit
+of cook and Ann. Step by step, she gained an insight into the mysteries
+of soups, roasts, puddings, and waffles, until one day, when Lawrence
+brought a guest unexpectedly home to dine, she told him, with a smile,
+and a blush, that the dinner was entirely cooked by her own hands,
+while Aunt Mercy sat by holding Harry in her arms.
+
+[Illustration: TRUE HAPPINESS.]
+
+The visitor was a merchant of great wealth, one who had known Lily for
+many years during his occasional visits to the city. He had learned
+of their pecuniary trials, and had so great a curiosity to see how
+she would bear the change from luxury to comparative poverty that
+he readily accepted Mr. Everett's invitation to make a visit at the
+cottage. On their way, he hinted at the subject, saying, cautiously,—
+
+"I presume Lily misses her parents and all the elegances of her former
+position."
+
+But the husband only smiled. "Yes," he said, "it is a great change for
+her certainly. Lily—But she will tell you about it."
+
+"I never knew a child more petted and indulged than she was," rejoined
+Mr. Abbott. "Every wish of her heart was gratified."
+
+Again that peculiar smile, and at this moment Lawrence announced that
+they had reached home.
+
+Lady-bird had not given up her old habit of opening the door for her
+husband, and came running down the stairs at the first sound of his
+step on the walk, bringing her babe in her arms. A crimson merino
+dress, for it was now chilly weather, gave a beautiful rosy tinge to
+her cheek, a little knot of ribbon doing day for a breastpin, while her
+eyes beamed with happiness.
+
+"Oh, Lawrence!" she began, joyfully, when, seeing Mr. Abbott, she
+checked herself, and extended to him a cordial welcome.
+
+"Come right in here," she said, leading the way to the library, where a
+bright coal fire was blazing in the grate. "Come, and I will show you
+my boy."
+
+"Mr. Everett, you have played me false!" exclaimed the gentleman,
+warmly. "You have been telling me of your losses, but Lily looks as gay
+as if she had become heir to the wealth of the Rothschilds."
+
+"Do you mean losing our money?" asked Lady-bird, opening wide her eyes
+in astonishment. "Because that was the greatest blessing that could
+have happened to us. I have learned a great deal I shouldn't have known
+otherwise."
+
+"Truly, then, you can say, 'Sweet are the uses of adversity,'"
+rejoined the gentleman, laughing. "But I am neglecting to cultivate
+the acquaintance of this little fellow, a fine specimen certainly. I
+congratulate you both on the possession of such a prize."
+
+Dinner was usually served as soon as Mr. Everett came home, and Lily,
+leaving her boy with his father, ran out to cast a glance over the
+table, and see that all was right. Everything was in order, and she
+needed only to add an extra plate.
+
+"How glad I am," she said to Aunt Mercy, "that the roast came out so
+nicely browned, and then my dumplings are such a success!"
+
+"The proof of the pudding is in the eating, child," was the smiling
+rejoinder.
+
+"This is a great occasion for us," remarked the husband, when grace had
+been said. "This is Lily's first effort at cooking an entire dinner."
+
+"Mrs. Everett cooking! I can scarcely credit it. What would your
+fashionable acquaintances say?" asked the gentleman, in pretended
+astonishment. "Well, I think wonders never will end. I should have
+thought of almost any one in my knowledge undertaking such business
+before you."
+
+"I think, sir," remarked Aunt Mercy, "you never could have known our
+Lady-bird, or you would have been sure that she would do this very
+thing."
+
+"Well done, Aunt Mercy! You see," exclaimed Mr. Everett, "Lily has
+stout defenders here."
+
+"So you will have to be careful how you slander me," added the young
+wife, blushing.
+
+"I can tell you how it is in a word," explained the gentleman. "When
+I was married, I was in a thriving business and began housekeeping on
+too large a scale. It took us but a few months, with Aunt Mercy's help,
+to find out there was a dreadful leak in our expenses, and we have all
+taken hold in earnest to stop it."
+
+"And what does mamma say to all this?"
+
+Lily's eyes sparkled with merriment, as she replied,—
+
+"She don't know what to say. She can't believe me when I write her that
+I can make custards and fricassee chickens and scallop oysters. She
+don't understand how I can be so happy in this little cottage. She has
+never seen our dear little household angel. She writes doleful letters
+of sympathy in reply to my merry ones, and only wishes I could be with
+her in Paris, where she is visiting and fêting so gayly. I think if she
+could see me in the morning, making coffee and muffins for breakfast
+with my apron on, she would weep over me."
+
+Lily ended with a sweet, musical laugh, so hearty that all her hearers
+joined in it.
+
+"Aunt Mercy could tell you a long story of my inefficiency when she
+first knew me," the young wife went on. "I had not the least idea of my
+duties as the mistress of a household, but thought they consisted in
+watching at the window for my husband and running to open the door for
+him."
+
+"Ah, Lady-bird! Who is slandering my wife, now?" asked Lawrence, with a
+tender glance in her face. "You know you find time to do that now with
+all your care."
+
+"I shall be warmly received among your old friends, Mrs. Everett," said
+Mr. Abbott, "when they know I have been to visit you."
+
+"Oh, no! We have had many visitors, but you are welcome to tell all
+who are interested to know that we would not go back to our palace in
+Montgomery Place, and be as rich as we once were, for anything. Would
+we, Lawrence?"
+
+"I am perfectly content with my present lot," he said, so warmly, that
+Mr. Abbott nodded approval.
+
+With the coffee Master Harry was brought in, and sat in his father's
+lap, while the delicious beverage was discussed and enjoyed. And then
+Mr. Everett reluctantly left for the city, saying, "I must not be
+behind the rest in stopping the leak. I work hard in these days."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+A SECOND LEAK STOPPED.
+
+EARLY in the winter John Allen came to the city, and after some
+discussion, it was concluded to give him a home at the cottage, and
+thus shield him from some of the many temptations which would surround
+him. He was an ardent admirer of his Cousin Lily from the first moment
+he saw her; and speedily ingratiated himself into her favor by the
+attention he paid little Harry. John had brown hair, which curled close
+to his head, and nothing pleased the baby better than to get his tiny
+fingers tangled in the locks, and then hear John exclaim, with a start,
+"Oh! Oh, dear!"
+
+At the store, John strove to please, laying up every cent of his wages
+to help stop the leak at his own home. Mr. Everett soon agreed with
+Aunt Mercy that there was something in the boy, and resolved to give
+him a chance to succeed.
+
+From Lizzie, John heard regularly, sometimes receiving letters she
+had written home, and at others epistles directed to himself. She
+had succeeded so well during the fall term, and the scholars plead
+so earnestly that she would remain, that the committee concluded to
+leave the winter school in her hands. There was double the number
+of scholars, some of them older than herself. But, as Mr. Greenough
+remarked to the other members of the committee, with all her mirth
+there was a dignity about their new teacher which would carry her
+triumphantly through many difficulties.
+
+The vacation was passed with John in his new home, where the merry
+girl speedily became a great favorite. Indeed, the first tears that
+Lady-bird had shed at the cottage were when parting from her young
+visitor. She had so many queer experiences to relate of her scholars,
+so much to say of the kindness of the committee, and withal was so
+helpful, in the kitchen and nursery, that both Lily and her husband
+begged her to give up her school and pass the winter with them.
+
+One incident which occurred during her visit I must not forget to
+relate. The candles were lighted-one evening, and Lizzie was having a
+game of frolics with Harry on the floor, while Mr. and Mrs. Everett
+were laughing spectators, when there was a ring at the door, and
+presently Maggie ushered in a tall, thin stranger. Lizzie sprang so
+quickly to her feet that she upset the baby,—blushes burning on her
+cheeks, when she introduced the gentleman as "Dr. Greenough."
+
+"What a sly girl," whispered Lily, when the couple were so much
+absorbed as not to notice her, "pretending to be such a confidential
+friend, and yet keeping back that she had a lover!"
+
+"Hush, Lady-bird!" was the cautious rejoinder. "He will hear you; and
+I can see by his manner that though he is a lover, he has not yet
+declared himself."
+
+"I shall just go and call Aunt Mercy, and see what she says to all
+this."
+
+The old lady had merely seen the family of Mr. Greenough at church,
+having been absent most of the time since their arrival; and now she
+fixed her keen eyes on the young man, as if she would read him through.
+He bore the scrutiny very well, while Lizzie, whose eyes were running
+over with merriment, sat smiling to herself at Aunt Mercy's questions.
+He was son of the Mr. Greenough who had been so kind to Lizzie in the
+school. He had graduated from college, had just finished the study of
+medicine, and was intending to accept the offer of the old physician
+in N—, to go into partnership with him. This was the substance of the
+information Mrs. Lovell's questions elicited from him.
+
+She grew a trifle more gracious, and went on with her catechizing,
+resolved to test well the character of a man who was so evidently
+making love to her favorite niece. In the course of the conversation,
+it came out that for several years he had been a church-member; and
+some remark he made concerning the aged pastor satisfied her that
+he was a possessor, as well as a professor, of religion. She leaned
+back in her chair with an air of so much relief that both Lady-bird
+and Lizzie, who had been closely watching them, found difficulty in
+restraining their mirth.
+
+Dr. Greenough well understood and appreciated the object of her
+inquiries. When they were through, he gave Lizzie so arch a glance
+that she was obliged suddenly to leave the room in order to maintain
+the dignity of a school-teacher. When she came back, the conversation
+turned on her school,—the marked improvement in Thomas Brown, the
+devotion of her friend Willie, and the prospect for the ensuing term.
+At a late hour the gentleman, with evident reluctance, took his leave,
+after having obtained permission to accompany her back to N—.
+
+
+It is now time that we inquire how Mr. Allen succeeds in stopping
+the leak made by his intemperate habits. Bell, Carrie, and Ned made
+themselves so useful that, besides attending school, they earned a
+considerable part of the money necessary for the actual outlays of the
+family. The little ones saved their pennies for shoes and hats, while
+Mrs. Allen did her full part in putting everything, in doors and out,
+to the best use of which it was capable. Besides what she earned in
+the dairy, her own cow was so profitable that she was able to make
+more butter than the family used, which she readily disposed of at the
+store in exchange for groceries. Every moment of her time was turned to
+good account,—making, repairing clothes for herself and children from
+garments given her at the great house, or knitting for winter wear at
+intervals, while she superintended the movements of her older girls in
+the kitchen.
+
+In this way Mr. Allen was enabled to lay by almost the whole of his
+wages toward the secret object of his desires. What this was, no one
+but his wife knew. But now it was necessary to put the funds he had
+gathered in some place where they would be earning interest, and he
+resolved to take Aunt Mercy into his confidence. He did so in the
+following letter:—
+
+   "TO MRS. MERCY LOVELL:
+
+   "DEAR AUNT,—We have been hoping for a visit from you. But as John
+writes there is no probability of your leaving the city for the
+present, I wish to write you confidentially on a subject of great
+importance to me.
+
+   "As soon as I came to my right mind after leaving N—, I began to ask
+myself whether there was any hope that I might recover the estate left
+me by my father. For a long time I did not speak of it even to Mary,
+but I used to lie hour after hour in the night pondering the subject,
+and making plans to get it out of the hands of the man who I am
+convinced took advantage of my habits to cheat me.
+
+   "From the first Mary has encouraged me to hope, and she has done more.
+Without one word of repining and complaint that I had brought this
+trouble on her, she cheerfully promised to aid me in saving every cent
+we could spare from our family expenses toward the attainment of that
+end.
+
+   "Since that, the estate has been purchased, as you know, by Mr.
+Greenough, who has laid out large sums in improving the land,
+ornamenting the house, and also in adding about twenty acres to the
+original homestead.
+
+   "Against all this I have now four hundred dollars by me, which I wish
+to invest safely where it will accumulate. A small sum you will say to
+repurchase an estate worth seven thousand dollars, but I hope now to be
+able to add rapidly to my stock, while real estate is rather falling
+than rising in value.
+
+   "I have questioned Lizzie closely in regard to the present owners,
+though she has not the most distant idea of my intention. She says
+there are two sons, neither of them intending to be farmers, that Mr.
+Greenough himself is not a practical farmer, but he has retired from
+the life of a merchant in consequence of feeble health, and that Mrs.
+Greenough much prefers the city.
+
+   "Upon these facts I build my hopes that by and by he may be induced to
+sell the place, even if he retains a mortgage on it. I feel sure that,
+with the experience I have gained here, if I could live there, I could
+make the crops so valuable that I could soon pay off any incumbrance
+on it. Will you do me the favor to consult Mr. Everett in relation to
+funding my small sum? Until I am back in my old position, I never shall
+feel that our terrible leak is stopped.
+
+                "Your affectionate nephew,
+
+                              "JOSEPH ALLEN."
+
+"There isn't much prospect of his ever realizing his hopes," murmured
+Aunt Mercy, deliberately folding the letter and taking off her glasses
+to reflect upon the subject it contained. "Joseph doesn't seem to
+suspect that Mr. Greenough's son and his Lizzie are so friendly.
+'Twould be strange indeed if the young people should have the farm.
+Well, I'll talk with Lawrence about investments. I wouldn't discourage
+Joseph for the world; and if he is likely to succeed, there's a
+thousand or two I might loan him to begin with. I should be sure of the
+interest, and I sha'n't live to want it a great while. No, 'twont do to
+discourage him."
+
+The next day she wrote an answer stating two ways of investing his four
+hundred dollars where it would yield a good income, and at the close
+hinted that in the county bank there were a couple of thousand dollars
+which he was welcome to use whenever he wished.
+
+"I wonder what good news Allen has heard," exclaimed Mr. Burrel one
+evening to his wife. "He's had a broad grin on his face every time I've
+met him."
+
+"He always looks smiling," was the quiet, response.
+
+"Yes, but not as he has to-day. I've heard him whistle often, but
+there's something new I'm sure. Well, he's a faithful fellow, and I was
+fortunate to secure him."
+
+"Mary told me something of their former history the other day," said
+Mrs. Burrel, which accounts for their being so different from most in
+their position. "They were quite wealthy when they were married. Mary
+says she never knew what it was to have a want unsupplied till she had
+been married five years."
+
+"Allen took to drinking, and lost everything; he told me that himself,
+when I first hired him. He is a stanch temperance man now. I can see
+the effect of his example on the other men. There's Carter has improved
+wonderfully of late."
+
+"All Mary's work," was the smiling response. "She began with the wife.
+Carter fought her for a long time, and forbade his children speaking to
+Mr. Allen's, he was so bitter."
+
+"I really feel a curiosity to know what good fortune has happened to
+him," murmured the gentleman, thoughtfully.
+
+"Probably favorable news from Lizzie or John; both, I know, are
+prospering. I'll ask Mary, when I see her, what she hears from them."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+FAILURE FROM LEAKS.
+
+IT was midsummer of the next year when Aunt Mercy returned for a visit
+to her old home, and Lily with the baby accompanied her. The little
+fellow was teething, and the old lady advised a change of air.
+
+Lizzie was just through her summer term, and was hesitating whether to
+engage for the winter, when they arrived. She was eager to take advice,
+and was easily persuaded to delay her return home for a few weeks.
+Dr. Greenough long before this had ventured to tell the young teacher
+that he was earning a home for her; and now he urged her to give up
+teaching, as his business was sufficiently profitable to justify him
+in taking a wife. He called at once upon Aunt Mercy, hoping to win her
+over to his views, as, since that first catechizing, as he termed it,
+she had been a firm friend.
+
+But, after hearing all his arguments, she agreed with Lizzie that it
+would be better to wait another year. His business, it was true, was
+extending, but he was dependent entirely on his parents for means to
+commence housekeeping. While if they postponed their marriage a year,
+his expenses were slight, living as he did at his father's, and she
+could be earning something toward her outfit. At the end of that time,
+she would be only eighteen, quite young enough, Aunt Mercy thought, to
+assume the cares of housekeeping.
+
+Lily plead for the young physician, and made Harry fold his hands and
+say, "Pease, tousin."
+
+But, though Lizzie loved her all the more for this interest in her
+friend, she was convinced that Aunt Mercy was right.
+
+The doctor submitted rather ungraciously to this decision, but was
+obliged to be content with her laughing promise to be very dutiful at
+the end of the prescribed period.
+
+One evening he called, and the conversation turned on Aunt Mercy's
+favorite subjects, prudence and economy. He remarked,—
+
+"If young people would only begin right, there would be no need of
+their spending half their lives in stopping the leak."
+
+Dr. Greenough laughed.
+
+"I never heard that term before," he said, "but it is so applicable to
+a case I knew in college, I must tell you the story.
+
+"In my Sophomore year I became acquainted with a young man, a
+classmate, by the name of Storm. His parents lived in the city, only
+three miles from college; and I used often to accompany him home. Mr.
+Storm lived in great splendor in one of the most fashionable streets,
+keeping his carriages of different sorts for the convenience of the
+family. But his especial delight was his library, which was one of the
+most extensive private libraries within my knowledge. He had a perfect
+passion for books; and everything rare, antique, or elegant could be
+found on his shelves. He employed agents in England to search for books
+new and books old to add to his immense collection."
+
+"I should call that his leak," remarked Lily, laughing.
+
+"Indeed, it proved so; but I am too fast for my story.
+
+"Horace, my friend, was a great reader, and could gather up the
+knowledge contained in a volume quicker than any person I ever knew. He
+never passed a book-store or an antiquarian stall without stopping to
+purchase, if he found anything to admire. I have known him spend twenty
+dollars day after day in this manner. And when once I remonstrated, he
+laughingly assured me that his father had given him 'carte-blanche' in
+the purchase of literature.
+
+"I used to go home with Horace once a week regularly. There was a young
+lady," he added, with an arch glance at Lizzie, "very pretty and very
+desirous of fascinating; and then we used often to run to the city for
+an hour in the evening, especially if my friend had found any rare
+volume to add to his father's collection.
+
+"Besides books, paintings of every description were included in Mr.
+Storm's mania. There was a large hall in his house, and the walls were
+completely lined with elegant paintings and engravings.
+
+"Suddenly I noticed that Horace ceased to call for me to go home with
+him. He bought no more books, and grew daily more gloomy. To all my
+questions he answered, petulantly, 'There is nothing the matter.'
+
+"But one day I was astonished more than I can tell you by finding a
+note from him on my table, when I returned from recitation. It simply
+said,—
+
+   "'DEAR ALBERT,—The game is up. There is no need for me to conceal
+longer what by to-morrow will be in all the papers. My father has
+failed in business for a large amount, double what he is worth.
+Everything has gone with a crash,—library, paintings, statuary, and
+all. My parents leave for Europe in the next steamer, unable to meet
+the loss among old friends. I am penniless, and have lost faith in
+everybody. Perhaps even you, the best friend I ever had, will forsake
+me; if so, life is worthless.
+
+                         "'HORACE STORM.'"
+
+"Poor fellow!" faltered Lizzie. "But I'm sure I've heard the name
+somewhere."
+
+"Do you remember the gentleman who called with me one day at your
+school to inquire for Willie? He wore at that time gray spectacles."
+
+"Oh, yes, indeed!"
+
+"That was Horace. He was passing a few days with me, and I had told him
+about a certain teacher whose services I was trying to engage for life.
+He had a natural curiosity to see her, and so I—"
+
+"Oh, the depravity of man!" exclaimed Lily, pitying poor Lizzie's
+embarrassment. "And so you planned a wicked excuse to criticise my
+little cousin?"
+
+"You had better finish your story, doctor," coolly remarked Aunt Mercy.
+
+"I have little more to say. The family embarked for Europe."
+
+"Pretty young lady and all?" archly inquired Lily.
+
+"Yes, the young lady, and as much property as they could manage to
+get together unknown to the creditors, leaving my classmate, who had
+too much honor to accompany them, to look out for himself. He had
+been troubled for a year with affection of the eyes, or he would
+have accepted the offer of the professors, and finished his college
+course. But the distress he was in, together with his sleepless nights,
+aggravated the difficulty, and he had to give up study altogether. He
+tried to get employment, and for a year peddled books and engravings
+from house to house."
+
+"Where is he now?" eagerly asked Lizzie.
+
+"He is teacher in a deaf and dumb asylum, for which he has a singular
+aptness. The influence he has over the scholars is wonderful. He is a
+noble fellow, as you will all say, when I tell you to what use he put
+his first earnings in the institution. When the family broke up, his
+mother owed a poor seamstress over fifty dollars, which she could ill
+afford to lose. Somehow Horace found it out, and sent her the money,
+though at the time he was greatly in need of clothes."
+
+"There are a great many good people in the world!" exclaimed Lily, with
+deep feeling. "I should like to know that man, and to have Harry know
+him when he is older."
+
+"If he could do it, he would like to stop the leak which his parents'
+extravagance has made, especially his father's passion for books,
+statuary, and paintings, which were, most of them, sacrificed for a
+song."
+
+"Where are his parents now?"
+
+"Still in France. They would scarcely venture back. Horace rarely
+mentions them. But he did say that they had not escaped from trouble
+by fleeing the country. They were living, the last I knew, in a little
+village, where Mr. Storm had found some business: barely sufficient to
+support them. His mother embroidered collars to eke out a living."
+
+"And the pretty young lady?"
+
+"Her fate is too sad to repeat," was the concise reply, in a tone which
+prevented farther remark.
+
+"Fortunately, Aunt Mercy, you were at hand to prevent so dreadful a
+result to our leak," faltered Lily, looking up from her babe with a
+smile and a tear. "I shall teach Harry to live so prudently that there
+will be no leak."
+
+"But, Mrs. Lovell, don't you approve of giving in charity?"
+
+"You don't know her as well as we do, or you wouldn't ask that," urged
+Lizzie, in an enthusiastic tone.
+
+"Certainly I do," was the old lady's reply, "but we must give what is
+our own, and not what we owe for debts. I don't believe in doing, as
+one of my father's acquaintances did, and give so profusely that his
+own family came to want, and his wife, with her two daughters, was
+obliged to resort to slop-work to save themselves from starvation. They
+worked day and night, trying to stop the leak the husband and father
+had made by his injudicious generosity, until, at the end of two years,
+the daughters fell ill of disease, brought on by close confinement, and
+died, and the broken-hearted mother soon followed them."
+
+"But this kind of leak is very uncommon; for more err in giving too
+little, rather than too much. There ought to be system and judgment in
+benevolence as well as in anything else."
+
+Lady-bird blushed. This had been a fruitful source of discussion
+between them. A generous impulse led the wife to give everything she
+possessed to the first needy object which presented itself. In this way
+she was frequently imposed upon, and afterwards regretted her charity.
+
+"All can't expect to be as shrewd judges of character as you are," she
+urged, half laughing. "You know you discovered Tom was a rogue the
+first time you saw him."
+
+"Yes; and it didn't take me long to find out Ann either. But we must
+allow experience to be our teachers. When a man or woman comes to my
+door with a voluble story of destitution, which they roll off their
+tongues like a parrot, I suspect they are telling me a false tale.
+You remember how quickly that poor woman dropped her mask of piety
+the other day, and began to curse me, when I pointed out to her some
+inconsistencies in her story."
+
+"But, Aunt Mercy," urged Lizzie, "I have heard you say you had rather
+give to ten impostors than have one really destitute go from your door
+unrelieved."
+
+"And so I had, but there is generally not much difficulty in discerning
+who are really needy, or to distinguish between those who are suffering
+for want of employment and who are too lazy to work."
+
+"Giving to the poor is one of the luxuries I find it very hard to be
+deprived of," faltered Lily, gravely. "I often ask myself what if my
+boy should ever be in want of food? Wouldn't I wish some one to take
+compassion on him, even if he were indolent?"
+
+"I think my father's way a good one," remarked Dr. Greenough. "He lays
+by so much every month for charitable purposes, though he often exceeds
+it in emergencies, promising himself to make it up the next month. He
+is cautious, though, in the selection of his objects."
+
+"Which makes his money go twice as far," added Aunt Mercy, smiling.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+HOME VERSUS OYSTER SALOON.
+
+"HOW much is there in the teapot now, wife?"
+
+This question was put by Robert Carter, as he saw Betsey, mounted on a
+chair, dropping some pieces of silver coin into an old earthen teapot
+which stood on the upper shelf of the cupboard.
+
+"The last time I counted it there was fifty dollars lacking a few
+pennies, and since that you've given me three from the week's wages,
+beside the trifle I and the children has earned."
+
+"At this rate, we shall get leave to purchase the house when we're as
+old as Methuselah."
+
+"Oh, Robert, you're always for a joke!" replied Betsey, being in
+earnest not to allow her husband's interest to flag. "Wait till I tell
+ye what the plan is. Mr. Allen explained it all over to me.
+
+"Mr. Morrison offers to sell the house and the little patch belonging
+to it for five hundred dollars. When we get one hundred scraped
+together, he will give us a writing, and take a paper—I forget what he
+called it—for the remainder."
+
+"A mortgage, I suppose."
+
+"Yes, that's it; and then we sha'n't be paying out money for rent. All
+we pay will go toward the house."
+
+"What nonsense you do talk, Betsey! We shall have to pay interest for
+his money."
+
+"But Mr. Allen says it wont be half as much as the rent, and then it
+will be such a comfort to think we are going to have a home of our own.
+I shall plant a rose-bush under the window; Bell Allen has promised
+me one. And we can have potatoes and cabbages without buying them. I
+shouldn't wonder if, some day, we had a barn and a cow in it, like the
+Allens."
+
+Even Mr. Carter was betrayed into a laugh by the pleasant anticipation,
+but quickly drew down his mouth, saying, in his usual petulant tone,—
+
+"I shall believe it when I see it. You're always running on, like the
+girl in the spelling-book, with a basket of eggs on her head."
+
+"Well, I've got fifty dollars and over to show toward the bargain, and
+that's better for ye than to have the money in the till at the oyster
+saloon for what's gone down your throat, besides the good it's done the
+children. Why, Bob works as steady now as Jamie Allen. It may be the
+making of him. Come now, Robert, own up that you're pleased, like you
+did the night you gave me the ring out by the big wood-pile."
+
+Robert didn't do that, but he took his pencil and a little piece of
+smooth board, and calculated how long it would take, at their present
+rate of advancement, to lay by the remainder of the hundred dollars.
+Then to this he added the amount he spent for tobacco in six months,
+and was surprised to see what a sum-total it made.
+
+"But I can't do it," he said to himself, grumbling; "so there's no use
+to talk. I can't, and I wont!"
+
+Nevertheless, Betsey was astonished to see her husband knock the ashes
+from his pipe, and replace it on the shelf without even a whiff to
+solace himself with, and still more, when the next morning passed
+without the most formal recognition of his old friend. This was a
+concession in favor of her purchase of which she had never dreamed;
+and, though his abstinence made him exceedingly fretful, she bore his
+ill-natured remarks without a murmur.
+
+"It's the way he has of putting the worst of himself outside," she
+said to herself, "like the lamb the Bible tells about, that put on
+the wolf's covering, when he's meaning to do his best. But there's my
+ironed clothes to go to the great house, and I must be about it."
+
+In the course of the day, Robert told Mr. Allen he thought he'd try to
+do without tobacco. "But I warn ye all ye'd better keep your distance
+for a day or two. I'm getting dangerous with this horrid gnawing at my
+stomach."
+
+It was a trying week to all the Carter family. Nothing went right with
+the father; Bob had his ears boxed for answering back, and Sarah was
+sent off without her dinner for laughing when he groaned. Even Betsey
+began to wish he would take one whiff, just to put a little good-nature
+into him, but, encouraged by her kind friends, she did everything she
+could to lessen the craving, slavish appetite for the weed. She made
+strong barley coffee, and exerted herself with the corn-cakes, for
+which Mrs. Allen was always willing to spare a little buttermilk. Not
+a word of praise did she receive, but, on the contrary, Robert found
+fault with everything she did. And finally, when she asked him whether
+he missed his pipe as much as at first, he told her to shut her mouth,
+and mind her own business.
+
+At the end of a fortnight, however, she had her reward. One day Robert
+came home, trying to wear the sullen face which had become almost
+habitual to him, but it was easy to see something had occurred to
+please him. He had a clumsy package under his arm, which he had thrown
+his coat over, trying to conceal it.
+
+"Pa!" screamed Bob, jumping from the top of the gate. "I've got a job,
+and ma says I shall have the whole of what I earn to buy me a new
+jacket."
+
+"What kind of a job is there that you'd stick to, I should like to
+know?"
+
+"Oh, Robert, it's hard to say that to the boy, when he helped me so
+bravely with the apples and potatoes," urged Betsey, acting, as she
+often did, as a lightning-rod between her husband and the children.
+"Come in, now; the pudding is fried to a crisp just as ye like it, and
+plenty of pork and potatoes hot to yer hand."
+
+The man looked confused, as if he had got himself into a dilemma, and
+didn't know how to get out. He walked into the kitchen. But instead of
+going to the sink to wash as usual, he sat down at the table with the
+package still under his arm. But presently he threw off his coat, and,
+starting up, said, with a heightened color,—
+
+"There, Betsey, don't you ever say I never gave you a present! I've
+done with tobacco forever, and there's something I've bought for you
+with the money I should have spent for it. You shall have something to
+put in yer parlor as well as Allen's wife. Now don't go to fooling," as
+he saw her suddenly throw her apron over her head to hide her tears,
+"but hand on the victuals while I clean up."
+
+"Oh, Robert, I knew the good was in yer heart, if ye'd only let it
+shine out! 'Twas only the want of that vile stuff that made ye bitter
+against yer own family. I'll be a better wife to ye than ever. I thank
+ye, too, for the elegant present."
+
+The children eagerly gathered about to admire the gift. It was a statue
+of plaster, white as snow, representing a lovely child kneeling, with
+uplifted hands and eyes. It looked so pure that even Bob was awed, and
+unconsciously lowered his voice, as he said,—
+
+"Oh, my! Sally, isn't that a pooty picter? I wonder who he sees up
+there."
+
+Lifting the statue with the greatest care, Mrs. Carter stowed it away
+in a large chest, and covered it with a towel, until the time when she
+should have a parlor like her neighbors.
+
+It was astonishing what an effect that simple act of kindness had on
+the whole family. Robert often found fault with his food, or the manner
+in which it was cooked, but to-night he ate it with an evident relish,
+meantime relating every particular of the purchase.
+
+"I may as well make a clean breast of it," he said, laughing. "I've
+been cross as fury since I left off smoking, and I don't say but
+there'll be times when I shall be so agin, but 'tisn't every wife that
+would have got along with it as well as you have. I said that to myself
+over and over again in the midst of my tantrums. To-night I was coming
+home from work, when I met a man with a long shelf of them 'ere things
+on his head, and all at onct it come right into my mind, 'There's a
+present for Betsey to put inter the new parlor.'"
+
+
+The next morning, when the children had gone to school (Mrs. Allen had
+persuaded Betsey to send them regularly now), she could not refrain
+from carrying the statue to her kind neighbors.
+
+"It's a perfect beauty!" exclaimed Mrs. Allen, wiping the suds from her
+hands, and lifting it tenderly.
+
+"Bobby says he's looking at somebody," repeated the mother.
+
+"He is praying to God, Betsey. Children who pray to him see him with an
+eye of faith."
+
+"I never thought of that," faltered the woman, her face growing very
+serious.
+
+"Don't you see he looks like a little angel?" continued Mary, noticing
+with pleasure the effect of her words. "See how pure and peaceful every
+feature is! That is the way Christians feel when they have given all
+their cares up to Him. They seem to see his smile, and it encourages
+them to pray always."
+
+Betsey covered the towel over her treasure, and merely saying
+"Good-morning," turned toward home. But again and again she said to
+herself, "He's praying to God," and twice she lifted a corner of the
+towel to gaze at the peaceful features. The woman could not then
+describe her feelings, but she afterwards said,—
+
+"I never seemed to know before what prayer was, and my heart yearned
+toward God."
+
+In the evening, she called the children, one by one, into the bedroom,
+and showed them the praying child, repeating what Mrs. Allen had said.
+But they did not seem impressed by it as she was. To her it seemed to
+say, "You ought to pray to God."
+
+In the dead of night, when all were sleeping, she crept softly out of
+bed, and kneeling in the middle of the floor, raised her hands and
+eyes in the darkness toward that gracious Friend who needs no light to
+see the contrite heart searching after him. Not a sound escaped her
+lips, but her soul went forth to God, "if haply she might find him," in
+yearning desires to be made pure and peaceful like that little child.
+She longed to strike a light for one glimpse of those sweet, calm
+features, but feared to arouse her husband; so she again sought her
+pillow, and was soon fast asleep.
+
+
+One month glided rapidly into another, every week enabling Betsey to
+lay aside a pretty little sum toward the purchase of their cottage,
+until a hundred dollars were safely deposited in the earthen teapot.
+Mr. Carter now thought it time for him, as the head of the family, to
+negotiate the business with the owner. But first he asked Mr. Allen's
+advice, who recommended him to request Mr. Burrel, who was justice of
+the peace, to draw the deed.
+
+"But how came you by so much money, Carter?" asked the gentleman, after
+listening with great interest to the story.
+
+"Well, sir," answered Robert, trying to conceal his confusion by a
+laugh, "about half of it is what I've saved from the till of Massey at
+the oyster saloon, and what I used to spend for tobacco. T'other half
+Betsey and the young ones have scraped together by odd jobs. You see
+Betsey has took a notion to have a home of her own, and so we've all
+put to, to help it on."
+
+"Capital!" exclaimed the gentleman, warmly. "It shows a great deal of
+character to get rid of a habit of long standing. I dare say it was a
+good deal of a trial to you."
+
+"Every word you say is true, sir. It was a tough job, as Betsey could
+testify. But Allen told me he'd got through it, and I thought it mean
+in me to be behind another."
+
+"I'll take the money, and do the business for you with pleasure. And
+here is ten dollars toward the second hundred. Betsey may tell the wife
+of any of my men that I will do the same by them, when they have proved
+themselves to be in earnest, as you have. You say there is a strip of
+ground for a garden-patch?"
+
+"Yes, sir; and Bob is old enough to mind it."
+
+"Well, remember, when you are ploughing in the spring, to turn over
+the loam with the oxen. You can raise a fine crop of vegetables with a
+little care."
+
+"Many thanks to you, sir, and Betsey 'll say the same."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+AFFIDAVIT.
+
+LETTERS from Lizzie, who had returned to N— for another year, informed
+her father that Mr. Greenough had cleared the meadow running for half a
+mile along by the river, and had planted it over with cranberry vines,
+from which he expected a great return of profit. To be sure, he had
+been obliged to make a large outlay, and there would be the expense
+of picking, but one season of only moderate yield would pay for all.
+Lizzie knew nothing whatever of her father's project. If she had, she
+would have told him that the present owner would not sell the farm for
+twice the sum he gave. She little realized, when she wrote the above,
+with what a pang her father would read her letter. Yet, strange to say,
+it did not discourage him.
+
+"After all," he said to Mary, "it's only putting money in my pocket;
+for something tells me I shall have the old place yet."
+
+In his answer to his daughter, he wrote her to keep him informed of
+everything connected with the dear old homestead.
+
+The next week Lizzie wrote, among other events,—
+
+   "I must tell you that Matilda Fish, the daughter of the rumseller I
+used to dislike so much, comes to my school. Though her father is
+reputed to be rich, she dresses very ordinarily, and seems painfully
+aware of her position. Through his means, many a man has drank up
+everything he was worth, and there is a feeling of burning indignation
+toward him among the best part of the community. I pity Matilda,
+because I can see that she feels herself neglected on account of her
+father's crimes, and have taken pains to render her situation more
+pleasant.
+
+   "At recess, instead of joining in their plays, she always comes to
+my desk to talk with me about her lessons. Many a pear, peach, and
+bunch of grapes she has brought me, until I made her confess she had
+saved her own portion of luxuries for that purpose. To-day she acted
+strangely, and I can't think what to make of it. It happened that,
+except a little urchin who had violated the rules and was paying the
+penalty by staying in, we were alone in the schoolroom. I noticed that
+she was very pale, and said, kindly,—
+
+   "'You are ill, Matilda?'
+
+   "'No, not ill, Miss Allen,' she answered, quickly, the bright color
+spreading over her face and neck,—'not ill, but—'
+
+   "'But what? Can't you tell me your troubles?'
+
+   "'It isn't about myself. If it were, I would never say a word,—no,
+never!'
+
+   "She spoke with passionate energy, such as I had never seen in her
+before.
+
+   "'I can't tell what's right to do,' she went on, beginning to cry.
+
+   "'I will help you, Matilda, if I can, but you must tell me frankly all
+about it.'
+
+   "'You can't, you can't! I dare not tell! I must go home!' And, hiding
+her face in her hands, she left me.
+
+   "Poor child! I'm afraid she has trials with her father. I will comfort
+her all I can. This afternoon she was not in her seat.
+
+   "Later. I have just heard that Mr. Fish kept the whole neighborhood
+awake last night in a fit of delirium tremens. This explains Matilda's
+conduct. How my heart aches for her!"
+
+
+Two, three weeks, a month passed. Mr. Allen was busier than usual in
+the nursery, setting out new stock, and getting everything ready for
+winter. Two letters had been received from Lizzie in which she did not
+mention Mr. Fish. But one morning, Jamie brought a letter from the
+office, which read as follows:—
+
+   "FATHER,—come here as quick as you can. Mr. Fish is dying, and
+continually calls for you. He has something on his conscience, and says
+he can't die easy till he's confessed it. Matilda has told me some
+things, but I can't believe they're true. Don't wait a minute after you
+receive this, if you would be in time.
+
+                            "LIZZIE."
+
+Mrs. Allen grew pale as she read, but, rallying, sent Jamie to the
+field to summon his father. The train went at half-past eight. It now
+only wanted fifteen minutes of that time. With nervous haste, the woman
+ran to the closet, and took down her husband's Sunday suit. Then,
+throwing a clean shirt, etc., etc., into a bag, she ran to the door to
+meet him.
+
+"Take this letter, and read it as you go along," she cried, her chin
+quivering with excitement. "You haven't a minute if you want to reach
+the morning train. Fish is dying. I can't imagine what the wicked man
+wants of you."
+
+"I can." The words came thick and husky. "I have felt it all along. God
+help me if I'm too late! Good-by."
+
+He ran along, and, springing over a wall, was out of sight in a moment,
+leaving Mary and the children gazing in the direction he had taken, and
+wondering what it all could mean.
+
+"Father said he knew!" exclaimed Ned. "I wonder he didn't tell us."
+While Bell sank into a chair, and began to cry.
+
+"I am afraid father will be put in prison," sobbed little Fred. "I wish
+he hadn't gone."
+
+Leaving them still excited and wondering, Mrs. Allen sought her
+own room, where she knelt down, and, as she had often done before,
+commended her husband to the care of her almighty Friend. Then, calmed
+by this exercise, she returned quietly to her household duties.
+
+The children, seeing her tranquillity, began to make preparations for
+school, Jamie first going to find Mr. Burrel, and announce to the
+gentleman that his father had been suddenly called away.
+
+
+When Mr. Allen reached his native town, without a moment's delay, he
+hurried down the familiar street to the house of the dying man. On his
+way, he was obliged to pass his old home, but he scarcely noticed it;
+his thoughts were too intensely anxious concerning the coming interview.
+
+A crowd of men were standing on the piazza outside the bar-room, but
+that was nothing unusual. He quickened his steps, and soon was standing
+on the threshold which had so nearly proved the ruin of his soul and
+his body. Staggering with excitement, he addressed one of the men, a
+stranger to himself.
+
+"Is Mr. Fish living?"
+
+"No; he died half an hour ago. The bell's just done tolling his
+age,—sixty-two."
+
+Without another word, Mr. Allen turned and walked away.
+
+"Too late, too late!" he repeated. "O God, help me to bear it!"
+
+He turned his steps mechanically toward the house where his daughter
+boarded, but suddenly checked himself, as he remembered that at this
+hour she would be in school. On arriving there, however, he found only
+two or three children playing about the door.
+
+"Where is Lizzie—Miss Allen—your teacher?" he asked, hurriedly.
+
+"She's gone home with a scholar who is sick. Mr. Greenough came and
+carried them, and dismissed the school."
+
+He turned away sick at heart; he felt faint and giddy, too, from
+over-excitement. He stood still a moment, wondering what he should
+do next, and whether he had not better take the return train home,
+when the thought of Lizzie's disappointment detained him. Suddenly
+remembering that he had not asked where the sick child lived, he turned
+back, but the children were out of sight. There was nothing now to do
+but to return to the depot and take the back train.
+
+Walking slowly on, he met a gentleman standing in earnest conversation
+with some one who was in a covered buggy. The horse was going the other
+way, so that he could not have seen who it was, even if he had desired.
+But his only object being at the moment to escape observation, he was
+hurrying past them, when his steps were arrested by the words,—
+
+"I told Lizzie he couldn't be expected by this early train."
+
+The voice was familiar, and, turning back, the recognition was mutual.
+Dr. Greenough cordially extended his hand, and then introduced his
+father.
+
+"I am looking for Lizzie," said Mr. Allen, trying to speak calmly.
+
+"She is at Mr. Fish's. I have just left her there."
+
+"Mr. Fish is dead I hear."
+
+"Yes. Did you learn nothing more?"
+
+"Only that I was too late to answer his summons."
+
+"Mr. Allen," said Mr. Greenough, taking his hand, "I have just come
+from the death-bed of Mr. Fish, where I listened to a confession which
+nearly concerns you and me."
+
+"Thank God, then, he did make it!" murmured Mr. Allen, devoutly.
+
+"Yes, I took a deposition from his lips only two hours before he
+breathed his last."
+
+"Was he perfectly conscious?"
+
+"It would be for my interest, I suppose, to say that he was in a fit
+of 'mania a potu,' but I must honestly confess that he appeared sane,
+and in earnest in endeavoring to repair the wrong he had done you.
+You must come home with me and get dinner. My son Horace will make it
+convenient, I dare say, to bring Lizzie there too."
+
+The two walked slowly on, by tacit consent avoiding the subject which
+engrossed them both, while the doctor rode off rapidly in the opposite
+direction.
+
+When they were seated in the parlor, which was so changed by French
+windows and gilded paper that Mr. Allen scarcely recognized it, the
+other gentleman said, gravely,—
+
+"Perhaps you do not know that I am a justice of the peace. I know a
+little of law, but am not yet prepared to say what offer it will be
+right for me to make you."
+
+"Offer!" repeated Mr. Allen. "I don't understand you, sir."
+
+"Excuse me, but I wholly forgot that you are entirely ignorant, as yet,
+of what Fish confessed. Here is his affidavit, which I will read you."
+
+He took from his breast-pocket a folded paper, and began,—
+
+   "I, Abner Fish, being on my death-bed, and realizing that in a short
+time I must appear before God, and wishing, as far as in me lies, to
+die at peace with all men, do now on oath declare that, in the year
+18—, I forged Joseph Allen's signature to a deed, caused by me to be
+drawn up, conveying to me his farm and the houses and barns on the
+same in payment of pretended indebtedness to me, which indebtedness
+did not cover one seventh part of the amount; that I afterward showed
+the signature to said Joseph Allen, who refused utterly to credit the
+account, or to believe that he had put his name thereto; that, by means
+of threats of personal violence, I persuaded him that he had done this
+while under the influence of liquor, and I then took him with me before
+Squire Harwood, justice of the peace, to bear testimony to his forged
+signature; that he did bear testimony under compulsion, and therefore
+that the property in said farm, houses, and barns on it belongs to
+said Joseph Allen, the title to them not being valid when conveyed by
+me to H. H. Greenough; that Mr. Allen's true bill for liquor was six
+hundred and forty-five dollars instead of seven thousand as I told him;
+that the same will be found in true charges on my books, and that my
+last wish and desire is that, by my dying confession, I may restore
+the rights and property of a man whom I have wickedly defrauded, and
+therefore I hereby direct my executors to pay to said H. H. Greenough
+the balance of the money he paid me above my real and true title to the
+said farmhouses and barns thereon, and so may God have mercy on my soul.
+
+   "Subscribed and sworn to on this twentieth day of October, in the year
+of our Lord 18—
+
+     "Before me,
+
+          "JOSHUA HARWOOD, 'Justice of the Peace.'"
+
+Mr. Allen, who had started from his chair, and stood breathless while
+the reading was going on, now fell back unable to utter a syllable.
+
+"Does this statement accord with your recollection?" inquired Mr.
+Greenough, after a long pause, in which both were occupied with their
+own thoughts.
+
+"Perfectly. I cannot deny that I visited Fish's bar far too often for
+the welfare either of my soul or body. But when he brought me a deed
+conveying all my property to him in payment for a long account on his
+books, I was bewildered, and had no words sufficient to express my
+anger. This property had been in our family under the same name for
+several generations; and he says true that I would not for an instant
+credit the idea that I had signed it away. But I was in his power,
+and I could not escape. Week after week, and sometimes day after
+day, he tormented me and my family with threats of imprisonment, of
+violence, if I did not go with him and bear testimony to the fact of my
+signature. At last, we did go, Mary and I, like martyrs to the stake,
+where I sullenly and defiantly bore witness to my supposed signature.
+Fish had agreed if I would do this, to allow me as much whiskey as I
+could drink for a month, the time I was allowed to stay in the house,
+and also a part of the stock, which, under one false pretence and
+another, he had got into his hands.
+
+"The month passed. I was a beggar with a wife and nine children
+dependent on me for support, but I had abandoned the cup, and become a
+sober man. I had formerly been respected by all; now I was disgraced,
+and I left the place, resolving never to enter it again. By and by
+hope began to dawn on me; I sought the pardon of God, and then began
+to inquire whether it were possible for me to earn enough to buy back
+my inheritance. I knew you had bought it, and were making expensive
+improvements, but still I did not despair. My wife encouraged me,
+I suppose, because she saw my heart was so greatly set on it; and
+both she and my children have taken hold in earnest to stop the leak
+occasioned by my intemperance. At this moment I have five hundred and
+fifty dollars laid by toward the purchase, beside the offer from Mrs.
+Mercy Lovell of two thousand dollars whenever I was ready to make you a
+proposition."
+
+This simple story, told with tearful eyes and earnest gestures, was
+not without its effect on the gentleman. He had not once imagined that
+it would make any difference to him except the drawing out of a new
+deed, and paying the money over to Joseph Allen instead of Abner Fish,
+with perhaps a small bonus to satisfy all parties. But here was the
+original owner, proved to be the present owner, with money in hand to
+pay the bill to the estate of his former creditor, and wishing to take
+possession. These thoughts flashed like lightning on his mind, while,
+his visitor was talking, and caused him to say,—
+
+"But, Mr. Allen, this property is worth more than twice as much as
+when I purchased it. I have sunk a good many thousand dollars in
+improvements. The cranberry meadow, formerly yielding twenty tons of
+hay, is now worth more than the whole farm was in your time; I mean in
+the way of profit. Why, I hope to realize several thousand dollars this
+fall, if the frost keeps off two or three weeks longer."
+
+Mr. Allen started, as if about to speak, but checked himself, and at
+this moment he heard Lizzie's voice in the hall, asking,—
+
+"Where is he, Horace?"
+
+He turned and caught her in his arms.
+
+After answering half a dozen questions, which she asked all in a
+breath, he turned to Mr. Greenough, and said,—
+
+"As this subject is new to both of us, I propose that we defer any
+attempt to settle until to-morrow. I am excited, and wish to have time
+to think. I shall stay with my daughter to-night, and will be ready to
+meet you as early as you please in the morning."
+
+"I wholly agree with you," was the cordial reply. "It is rather sudden,
+I acknowledge, for a man who arose this morning, thinking he had a
+pleasant home arranged exactly to his liking, to find before dinner
+that it has all slipped from under his feet."
+
+"Or to find, as I have," was the humble reply, "that, by the mercy of
+God, the consequences of my former sinful habits have not been equal to
+my fears."
+
+At dinner the conversation was general, and, during the half-hour they
+stayed after it, the peculiar situation of the parties was not once
+referred to.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE RESTORED HOME.
+
+EARLY the following morning, Mr. Allen walked up the winding avenue
+which his successor had laid out in front of the house, and gazed
+with delight at the clusters of shade trees which adorned the
+smoothly-shaven lawn. This had formerly been an enclosed field for
+mowing. But by a new arrangement, the whole had been thrown open as far
+as the public street, leaving an elegant lawn in front, through which
+two side avenues wound their way to the front entrance. The man had an
+eye to the beautiful, and could thoroughly appreciate the good taste
+which marked every arrangement.
+
+Mr. Greenough met him at the door and asked, with a smile, how he liked
+the grounds.
+
+"I could scarcely have believed they were capable of so much
+improvement. That rock, where my children used to play with their
+dolls, under the shade of the friendly butternut is vastly prettier
+with its rustic seats. Indeed, it looks quite ornamental, and makes me
+blush that I ever thought of drilling and blasting it out."
+
+"I must go over the farm with you after a while, but come in now. Here
+is my son Willie waiting to be introduced to the father of his teacher.
+He was absent yesterday."
+
+"I am glad, Willie," said the stranger, "to have an opportunity to
+thank you for your defence of my daughter. She wrote me about it."
+
+The lad laughed merrily, exhibiting a row of beautifully white teeth.
+"I liked her," he said, archly, "because she wasn't afraid of the big
+boys."
+
+"And you'll be happy to own her as a sister," added his father.
+
+"Wont I, though? But it will seem queer to call her Lizzie, as she says
+I must then."
+
+Turning to the table, Mr. Greenough said,—
+
+"I have prepared a schedule of expenses incurred by me since I bought
+the farm, copied from my books, setting aside the land I have added to
+the original deed. It amounts in all to four thousand two hundred and
+fifty dollars, including expense for cranberry-plants. From one year's
+experience in this last, I am sure that in a short time I could realize
+a fortune more than sufficient to pay me back every cent I have spent
+here. It seems reasonable that I should have some return for all I have
+done here; and yet I can't expect you to pay for improvements you did
+not authorize."
+
+"Mr. Greenough," exclaimed Mr. Allen, warmly, "I profess to be governed
+by Christian principles. I prayed last night that I might be enabled to
+do right in this whole business,—to obey the Golden Rule, and do to you
+as I should wish you to do by me, were our circumstances reversed. I am
+aware, as you say, that I might claim the farm at once, but I have come
+to the conclusion to make you two propositions, with either of which I
+shall be satisfied.
+
+"First, that you continue on the place, rent free, for five years, on
+the sole condition of keeping the farm up to its present condition of
+productiveness, and at the end of that time leave all to me.
+
+"Or, that you remain here until next June, which will give you time to
+build a new house on your own land and adjoining mine, and have the
+profits of the meadow lot for eight years."
+
+Mr. Greenough considered for a moment, and then answered, promptly,
+"There is scarcely a doubt that I shall accept the latter proposition,
+which I consider a very generous one. I like the locality, and am so
+confident of success that I am willing to give my whole attention
+to raising cranberries for the market. As I am making provision for
+flooding the meadow in case of sudden frost, I can hardly fail to make
+it very profitable."
+
+"I shall be most happy to have you for a neighbor," was the pleased
+reply.
+
+"Till June, then, I continue here, as if nothing had occurred?"
+
+"Of course, it would be better for me to take the farm earlier, but I
+reckoned on giving you time enough."
+
+"Just so. I agree, then, to plough and plant as if I expected to get in
+a harvest."
+
+"Yes, sir. I may, perhaps, suggest some slight changes in the crops, or
+I may not. If you can vacate in April or May, so much the better for
+me."
+
+"That is scarcely possible. I must be busy after this. I little
+expected to build a house this year. Now we will take a walk around the
+farm. I will draw the paper, after you leave, and send them to you for
+signing."
+
+The last year's experience had enabled Mr. Allen to judge of good
+farming as he had never done before. He was delighted with everything,
+and did not hesitate to express his approval in the warmest terms.
+As he went through one field after another, his heart swelled with
+gratitude to his heavenly Father, who had ordered his path in so
+much mercy. He left for home in the noon train, after having made
+arrangements with one of the executors of Mr. Fish's will, to send him
+a check for money due the estate.
+
+When he reached G—, and came in sight of the pretty cottage, where
+the last year or two had been so happily passed, his emotions almost
+overpowered him.
+
+"I can ask Mary to forgive me then for all the trials I have brought on
+her," he said to himself, "when I can take her to that beautiful home."
+
+The children had just returned from school, and at the sound of his
+voice came flocking around him, eager to hear the news.
+
+Trying to speak calmly, he called the whole family to his side and gave
+them a brief detail of the facts as I have related them, Mary's face
+growing whiter and whiter with the excitement of the story, until her
+head sunk on her husband's shoulder, and she faintly whispered,—
+
+"How good God is! I felt sure it was not for evil that you were called
+so suddenly away."
+
+"Lizzie wanted to come home with me, to help you bear the joy," the
+father said, "but she couldn't leave her school, and Matilda can
+scarcely bear her out of sight."
+
+"Oh, husband! Did you find out what Matilda was crying for?"
+
+"Yes; and we owe the poor girl a great debt, but I must tell you.
+
+"Matilda, who is an only child, slept in the next room to her father.
+He has no wife, you know, and he often used to call out to her to
+come in and drive out the devils that were dancing about the chamber.
+This was the effect of his drinking, and is one of the terrible evils
+resulting from it. She told Lizzie one morning that she used often to
+hear my name, like this:—
+
+"'Joseph Allen, go away! I wont have you here tormenting me before the
+time!'
+
+"At last, one night he raved so, she did not sleep a minute. The
+wretched man thought I was there upbraiding him, and kept shrieking
+out,—
+
+"'You shall have it back! I know I ruined you! Go away; you'll have it
+when I die!'
+
+"Lizzie consulted the doctor who was his physician, and he bade her
+tell Matilda to ask him if he would confess what he had done to injure
+me.
+
+"'No,' he screamed, 'I never, never will.'
+
+"But she continually urged him, saying,—
+
+"'He will forgive you; and then you will not have these dreadful
+visions.'
+
+"Dr. Greenough told her one day that her father could live but a short
+time, when she again urged him to confess, from which moment he never
+ceased calling,—
+
+"'Joseph Allen! Come quick, or it will be too late!'
+
+"Lizzie was at his side through his last night, and sent for Mr.
+Greenough and Squire Harwood to come and receive his deposition, as the
+doctor feared his patient would not be alive when I reached G—."
+
+"I shall always love Matilda," said Bell, earnestly. "I wouldn't speak
+to her when I lived in our dear old home."
+
+"Who will take care of the poor girl?" inquired Mrs. Allen.
+
+"Lizzie is with her now, and will do all she can."
+
+"Tell about the house, father," cried Bell, pressing closer to him.
+"What is it like?"
+
+"There is not a place in town to compare with it."
+
+"What, pa, not the great house where Mr. Burrel lives?" asked Jamie.
+
+"No; it is handsomer and more modern than that."
+
+"Oh, goody, goody!" screamed the child, dancing and clapping his hands
+with delight.
+
+"Can't I learn to play on the piano, father, when we get there?" asked
+Carrie, coaxingly.
+
+"Yes, child; you and all the rest shall have every advantage of
+education. That was one of my first thoughts. What do you think John
+and Aunt Mercy will say?"
+
+"Or Mr. Burrel and all the folks here? Mayn't I go and tell them,
+father?"
+
+"No, my child, not at present. I shall tell Mr. Burrel myself soon that
+he may look out for another gardener. For the present we shall go on
+exactly as we have before."
+
+"Isn't it splendid, Carrie?" exclaimed Bell, when, at her request, her
+father had described the parlors, front hall, and dining-room, the only
+apartments he had entered. "I can hardly wait till spring."
+
+"I'm not sure that I wouldn't have preferred our home as it was,"
+faltered Mary, her eyes glistening. "I'm afraid it will all seem
+strange."
+
+"Yes, it did to me at first, but when I went into the fields, by the
+big elm-trees, and the willow hedge near the creek, there was a rush
+of old memories. I'll tell you what, wife, I seem to be living in a
+dream,—a pleasant one, indeed. We must be careful that prosperity does
+not turn our hearts from God."
+
+"I'm sure, father," faltered Bell, laughing, "I never felt half so much
+like loving him."
+
+"It is well, my daughter, when the goodness of God leads us to
+penitence. I remember with deep sorrow that I needed adversity and
+trial before my heart acknowledged him as my ruler. Now, children, to
+your work. I shall never regret anything but the sins which caused our
+poverty since it has led you all to form habits of industry."
+
+"We sha'n't have to work when we get to that handsome house; shall we,
+father?" eagerly asked Jamie.
+
+"To be sure we shall; I give you leave to be idle, though, when you
+see your mother sit down and fold her hands. If you were all to stop
+working, you'd soon be in mischief. Don't you remember your mother's
+favorite hymn?—
+
+   "'For Satan finds some mischief still
+       For idle hands to do.'
+
+"And pretty soon there'll be another leak in our fortunes. Now we will
+have supper, and then I will go and see Mr. Burrel about the work."
+
+"Shall you tell him to-night, father?"
+
+"No, Carrie, I think not, unless he asks me what detained me from home.
+We must all remember that, although we have a fine house and extensive
+barns, we have little furniture and only one cow to put in them. My
+father used to keep two yoke of oxen. I see Mr. Greenough uses both
+oxen and mules."
+
+"But you have lots of money, father, that you have earned here," cried
+Ned.
+
+"My boy," said the father, sorrowfully, "I am mortified to be obliged
+to tell you that the money we have all earned with so much labor
+and pains-taking must go to pay a bill I ought not to have run up,
+otherwise the house would not be ours."
+
+"No matter, pa; we'll all help you earn more. Boll and Carrie can get
+in apples when school is done, and Ned and I will dig potatoes and pull
+turnips as fast as we can. Before June we can have time to earn ever so
+many dollars."
+
+At breakfast the next morning, Mr. Allen said,—
+
+"I have a plan to propose. It is this: that each of you girls should
+try to earn, between this and June, a set of furniture, such as you
+would wish in your own chambers. John shall furnish a room, too, which
+he shall occupy when he visits us, while the boys may club together and
+buy a horse."
+
+"Goody, goody! I'll do it!" shouted Jamie. "We'll buy a black one, and
+call him Bucephalus, like Alexander's horse we read about at school."
+
+"And what will ma do with her money? She earns more than any of us,
+with her butter and cheese."
+
+"She may furnish one of the parlors if she pleases, Bell. I have a
+secret use for the north parlor and the chamber over it, which you will
+all know in due time."
+
+Later in the day Mr. Allen sought his employer, who was absent the
+previous evening, and informed him of the change in his prospects.
+
+Mr. Burrel listened with profound attention, and when he had done,
+said,—
+
+"I congratulate you most heartily; and yet there is a feeling,—a
+selfish one, I fear,—that I shall be obliged to give up a gardener who
+suits me in every particular."
+
+"It was about that I wish to speak to you, sir. I feel an interest
+here, where I and my family have been so kindly treated. I know a
+man whom I can recommend as honest and faithful, who has a taste for
+nursery business. A few months' experience, with the teaching I can
+give him, would, I think, insure you a good hand."
+
+"What is his name?"
+
+"Robert Carter."
+
+"Carter! Why, he is a surly, snappish fellow, whom I always dread to
+speak to, whose children have been a torment,—a man I kept more out of
+charity to him than from any other motive."
+
+"That was formerly his character, sir. But I think you will agree with
+me that there has been a great change in all of them. His wife has
+grown neat and ambitious, and the children are as anxious to work as
+they were formerly to rob hen-roosts."
+
+"All your influence, Allen. When you and your wife are gone, he'll
+relapse into his old way."
+
+"Don't you think he showed a good deal of character when he left off
+using tobacco and beer?"
+
+"Yes, I acknowledge that I thought then he was more of a man than I'd
+imagined."
+
+"He has a surly way of speaking, but it's more in manner than feeling.
+I've had him in the nursery when I was pressed for time, and found he
+had a native aptness for the business. I should like to have you try
+him, sir."
+
+Mr. Burrel paused, and then said,—
+
+"There is another objection. Betsey knows nothing about dairy work."
+
+"I pledge my word that Mary will teach her to make good butter and
+cheese."
+
+The gentleman smiled. "Since you are so determined," he said, "I
+suppose I must consent, but I dread to tell my wife of the change."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+DANGER AND COURAGE.
+
+WE must now pass over three years in the history of our friends.
+Harry Everett is four years old, a bright, beautiful boy, of whom
+any mother might be proud. Words fail me when I attempt to describe
+this child. With perfect boyish instincts,—indeed, quite a romp at
+outdoor frolics,—there is a maturity and precociousness about him which
+impresses every one with the feeling "he has not long for this world."
+
+"I do not believe," said a visitor at Mr. Everett's, "the doctrine I
+learned when a child from the numerous biographies of boys and girls,
+that all the good children die young, and that only wicked ones live
+to grow up. But I do believe that often our heavenly Father sees a
+plant in his earthly garden of such peculiar beauty and grace that he
+determined to transplant it to his celestial garden. Upon this lovely
+nursling he bestows such degrees of care and tenderness as bring it
+forward to an early maturity, which all who are witnesses thereof
+wonder at and admire."
+
+Harry was of ordinary height, erect and graceful in figure. His head
+was of unusual size,—his broad, open brow being shaded by locks of
+chestnut hair, which fell in a shower of ringlets on his fair neck.
+His eyes, shaded by long, dark lashes, were hazel, bright, but not
+flashing, with often a pensive, thoughtful expression unusual in a
+child of his years. His nose was straight and well formed, while the
+small mouth, full-parted lips, and dimpled chin were expressive of both
+sweetness and decision of character. Harry was naturally passionate,
+energetic, and full of enthusiasm. The first trait was early
+restrained, or rather he was taught to exercise self-control, so that a
+stranger would never have imagined him easily moved to anger.
+
+As a foundation for a good character, Lily learned from her Bible she
+must teach her child obedience,—prompt, unasking, cheerful obedience
+and perfect truthfulness; and this by the aid of prayer she succeeded
+in doing at a very early period. When he was only twenty months old,
+Lily took him with her to call upon a friend who also had a little son.
+When she rose to leave, the lady asked him to give her a parting kiss,
+which he readily did.
+
+"Kiss the little boy, too, Harry," said his mother.
+
+The boy shook his shoulders and made no advances.
+
+"Mamma wants you to kiss little Frankey," Lily said, firmly.
+
+Harry looked gravely at the boy, but still refused.
+
+"Never mind," urged the lady, "he'll do it another time."
+
+The mother thought otherwise. "If I allow him to disobey me now," she
+said, softly, "it will be more difficult next time for him to obey."
+
+She took his hand, led him off a few steps and whispered in his ear,
+when he instantly walked up to Frankey and gave him a cordial kiss.
+She appealed to his love for her and his desire to please her, and was
+successful.
+
+Harry's health, which, though good, was never firm, prevented him from
+being put to his books, but this want was more than supplied by the
+eagerness with which he listened to stories of children and animals,
+and particularly to stories from the Bible. Hour after hour he would
+sit drinking in the inspired words,—the stories of Abraham, Moses,
+Joseph, and all the worthies of the Old Testament being as familiar to
+him as household names. But what moved his tender heart more than all
+other reading was the story of the God Man, born in a manger, nurtured
+in a carpenter's shop, visiting the temple, asking questions of the
+doctors, his mission of love to all men, and, finally, his death on the
+cross. These sacred truths stole insensibly into his heart, and at a
+very early age began to influence his whole character.
+
+"You need not tell me to say my prayers," he often said as his mother
+was unrobing him for the night. "I always remember." And running to his
+little chair, he would pour out his heart in childish petitions to his
+heavenly Father, a being he had been taught to love and not to fear.
+
+Harry was not now an only child. In his fourth year, a little sister
+came to share his parents' love; and never was there a more tender,
+affectionate brother. Sweet little Paulina gave him her first smile,
+and learned before she was three months old to recognize his voice in
+the hall, and would turn her dainty head to catch the first glimpse of
+him as he entered the room.
+
+Contrary to the opinion of most of her friends, Lily proved to be a
+firm, judicious mother. Though so young when married, yet she had
+witnessed too often the anxious care which mothers brought upon
+themselves by neglecting to train their children according to the
+Scripture rules, and she made it her earnest prayer that she might be
+guided in the right course. What was wanting in experience was made up
+from the fountain of wisdom, from which all are permitted to draw. Can
+we wonder that the result was as nearly a model of perfection as is
+ever seen among depraved humanity?
+
+Mr. Everett does not now live in the stone cottage where we last saw
+him. Three years ago, he removed a mile nearer to his business in the
+city, to a house he had purchased on a new street, with an ornamental
+park in front. The house was in a block built of brick, with a granite
+front, and iron railings to the nicely-cut steps. It had large, airy
+rooms, well, but not expensively, furnished, and containing every
+modern improvement. A few well-chosen pictures adorned the walls, and
+some choice articles of "bijouterie," tastefully arranged by Lily's
+skilful hands, gave an air of refinement to the dwelling.
+
+The young matron herself is changed, and yet the same. There is still
+the fresh, beaming face and sweet smile, sometimes breaking out into a
+musical laugh, as light and "abandon" as ever; but there is a deeper,
+holier light in her eye, an expression of thoughtfulness at times on
+her features which is very becoming. One trait has been discovered in
+her which even those who loved her best did not imagine her to possess.
+Shielded from her infancy from the least semblance of danger, when
+she was married, it was natural for her to look to her husband for
+guidance and protection. As we have seen, she shrunk from encountering
+the servants after their dishonesty had been discovered. But as her
+character, especially her Christian character, matured, she grew more
+self-possessed and self-reliant. These traits showed themselves in a
+degree in her every-day duties, but circumstances were to prove that,
+united to her confiding, trusting disposition, there was also firmness
+and resolution to meet the emergencies of the hour.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Percival had been returned from Paris nearly three years,
+he having been far more successful than he had at first expected in
+saving his fortune. Taught by experience, however, they never again
+entered on such a life of fashion and display, but took a house similar
+to Mr. Everett's, only two squares distant.
+
+Aunt Mercy divided her time between her own home and her nephew's, but
+was at this period in N—.
+
+
+One afternoon Mr. Everett returned to dinner an hour earlier than
+common, having received a telegram from his aunt, who had been
+suddenly taken ill, and wished to see him. His plan was to take the
+early afternoon train, which would leave him at his destination about
+half-past three, and return, if possible, at eight, reaching home a
+little before midnight.
+
+He brought from his store a large packet of bank-notes, which he asked
+her to put carefully away, remarking that he had just taken them from
+the bank in order to pay a bill, when the telegram was given to him.
+
+Lily reached out her hand doubtfully, which led him to say, with a
+laugh,—"If you are afraid to have so much money in the house, send
+Maggie with it over to your father."
+
+"No, I'm not afraid," was her quiet answer. "How much is there?"
+
+"Twenty-one hundred dollars."
+
+"I'll put it in the closet in my room with the silver," she answered.
+"It will be perfectly safe there."
+
+It was quite cool weather; and Mr. Everett had scarcely buttoned on his
+outside coat, and bade her a hasty adieu, before Lily was summoned to
+the kitchen to see a poor man, who wanted food.
+
+Taking Harry by the hand, she went below, and found, sitting near the
+kitchen fire, one of the most repulsive-looking men she had ever seen.
+His cap was torn, revealing hair grizzled and matted; his eyes were
+bloodshot, his face red and bloated; while his whole features wore a
+look of cunning painful to witness.
+
+He told a pitiful story of suffering, which completely conquered Lily's
+repugnance, notwithstanding the glances and signs of caution made by
+the shrewder Maggie.
+
+Bidding the girl prepare a bowl of tea as quickly as possible, with
+her own hands, this delicate, high-born lady, dressed the wounded hand
+which he exhibited, expressing words of sympathy and encouragement
+which might have softened the heart of a brute.
+
+When she had done this, and had seen him engaged in eating a hearty
+meal, she told him to sit near the fire till he was thoroughly warmed,
+and was leaving the kitchen, when she noticed a glance of triumph shoot
+from his eyes, for which she could not account.
+
+Maggie ran to the stairs after her.
+
+"I wish you'd bid him go at once," she said, earnestly. "There's an ill
+look about him,—a look which makes me think of murder and stealing."
+
+"Hush, Maggie! He'll hear you. I think he'll go presently."
+
+"But, ma'am, I'm afraid to stay alone with him, and I'm afraid to leave
+him. He might set the house on fire over our heads."
+
+"You're nervous, Maggie," the lady said, laughing, at the same time her
+thoughts recurring to the large sum of money she had in the house. She
+returned to the sitting-room followed by Harry, and, engaged with him
+and the baby, soon forgot her late visitor.
+
+Being alone, she retired to her room earlier than common, where,
+sitting before the bright fire, she hummed a soft air to Paulina, who
+was restless in her crib.
+
+As she sat there gently rocking the little sleeper, a sudden turn of
+her head led her to look toward the wall at the farther end of the
+chamber. The fire was burning brightly, but beside this there was
+little light, the nurse having turned the gas down when she went below.
+But there she saw, just above the canopy over her bed, the top of the
+soiled cap the beggar had worn, with the matted gray hair sticking
+through it.
+
+For a moment her breath stopped; the blood seemed frozen in her veins.
+But she was alone, and in the power of this brute, whose object, she
+could not doubt, was to obtain possession of the silver in her closet.
+Thoughts flew like lightning through her brain.
+
+"He must have stolen up here from the kitchen, and seen Maggie put
+the tray in the closet. But oh, the money! Why didn't I send it away?
+Perhaps he knew it was here. Yes, it was just after Lawrence went that
+he came. I took it from my husband in the hall, and he heard me say
+I should keep it here. Now what is to be done? Maggie and nurse have
+both gone to bed; and if they were here, what could three weak women do
+against such a brute as this? First of all, I must be calm, and appear
+calm." And with that, she began again to hum the rest of the verse:—
+
+   "Hush, my child, lie still in slumber,
+      Holy angels guard thy bed,
+    Heavenly blessings without number
+      Gently falling on thy head."
+
+Even during the singing, a plan was suggested to her. She ascribed it
+to her Father in heaven, who was even now watching over her and her
+little ones.
+
+"Yes," she said to herself, "he must have heard Lawrence tell me there
+was twenty-one hundred dollars; that was the reason of his triumphant
+smile. Maggie distrusted him from the first. How did he get in here
+unseen?"
+
+She glanced timidly toward the bed. There the figure stood immovable as
+a statue.
+
+With a silent prayer for strength, and a countenance from which every
+shade of color had vanished, but with a look of noble resolve in her
+eye, she arose and began to prepare for bed.
+
+But first she turned up the gas, filling the room with light. And then,
+bringing the tray from the closet, she set it on the table and began
+to count the forks, spoons, and napkin-rings, to all appearances as
+unmoved as if nothing had occurred to terrify her.
+
+Taking them up in her hand, she went on: "Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen—I
+wonder what Maggie has done with the others! Oh, here they are among
+the forks! Twenty-three, twenty-four; that's all right!"
+
+Making as much display as possible of the coffee-urn, salver, and
+tea-set, she carried the whole back to the closet, taking the
+opportunity to slip the money into a high drawer, and pull out the key.
+
+After this, she slowly took off one garment after another. Her heart
+sometimes almost failed her, and then, being reassured by a short
+petition for strength, she put on her embroidered night-dress, and
+knelt down for her evening prayer.
+
+In a voice low, but perfectly distinct, she said,—
+
+   "Father, unto thy kind care I commit myself and those so dear to me.
+Protect me from all harm and danger. Let thy holy angels watch around
+my bed. Help all those who are in distress, and particularly those who
+are driven by their poverty into crime. Forgive all my many sins, for
+the sake of thy Son, my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen."
+
+She arose, calmed by the exercise, without one glance toward the
+intruder, drew the crib across the floor near the bed, and then lay
+herself down, but not to rest.
+
+She feigned sleep, however, and soon heard a stealthy movement behind
+the couch. It was evident the robber thought his opportunity had come.
+
+Stealthily as a cat creeps toward his prey, he moved across the carpet
+toward the closet. Once only poor Lily dared to open her eyes; he was
+just entering the door.
+
+"Now is my time," she said to herself, and springing softly from her
+couch, she darted after him, shut the door with a bound, and locked it
+upon him.
+
+Then her strength all left her, and she sank almost fainting into a
+chair. But realizing that the danger was not yet over, she tried to
+rally, and, crawling to the window, raised the sash and screamed,
+"Murder! Murder!!" with all the strength her lungs would permit.
+
+The next step was to ring the chamber-bell for nurse, who soon appeared
+terrified beyond measure, and gave a more decided call for help. Maggie
+came and opened the door for the watch, who secured the villain, and,
+having put on handcuffs, carried him off to the station house, to await
+his trial.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+LEAKS ALL STOPPED.
+
+MRS. LOVELL was not relieved from her sudden attack till the third day
+after her seizure, during which time her nephew did not leave her.
+Mrs. Allen and her daughter were also unwearied in their attentions.
+Mr. Everett had written two letters home, and was wondering he had not
+heard in return, when, on taking up a daily paper, he discovered the
+cause, with what mingled emotions of gratitude, pride, and horror the
+reader can easily imagine. The item was headed REMARKABLE PRESENCE OF
+MIND, and proceeded with a tolerably correct statement of facts, with
+names in full.
+
+"Well done, Lily!" he said aloud, in a tone of exultation, little
+realizing that her courage and self-possession had been followed by
+continued swoons, which had completely prostrated her nervous system.
+
+Aunt Mercy was better, however, and urged his immediate return to his
+family.
+
+Lily's languid frame revived when she saw her husband standing by her
+bedside, and heard the words of fond praise which overflowed from his
+full heart.
+
+It was a week, however, before she recovered, and even then the sudden
+mention of her escape, with which every mouth was filled, caused her to
+tremble with excitement. One fact connected with the incident I must
+not forget to mention. During his trial the robber confessed that he
+had listened to the conversation between husband and wife, and watched
+his opportunity, while the family were at supper and Maggie waiting on
+them, to steal to the chamber and conceal himself. But so greatly was
+he affected by her simple prayer, trusting herself so fully to the care
+of God, that he resolved, whatever happened, not to injure her. If it
+had not been for this circumstance, connected with her kindness to him
+in the kitchen, his plan was to thrust a dagger into her heart as she
+lay sleeping, and then escape with his booty.
+
+And now, dear reader, in drawing this story to a close, I have only
+space to tell you in brief that, the leak in Mr. Everett's family being
+effectually stopped by prudent foresight and economy, he found himself
+at the end of ten years a rich man, owning ships and sending them to
+every sea. But, with all his riches, he never again launched into
+extravagance.
+
+Both he and Lily dreaded the dangers through which they had passed.
+Much of his time and money was spent in furthering the great benevolent
+objects of the day; while his lovely wife disbursed her charities on a
+more limited scale, often making Harry the almoner of her bounty.
+
+Aunt Mercy, after her illness, was persuaded to break up housekeeping
+and make her home with her nephew, though she furnished a room in Mr.
+Allen's commodious house, and in the summer made long visits there,
+usually accompanied by one or both of the children.
+
+Mr. Allen's prediction concerning Robert Carter was fulfilled.
+Encouragement and judicious praise acts like a charm on some men, and
+he was one of them. When his friend related the circumstances which
+would lead to his own removal to his native town, and hinted that he
+might, if he wished, have the situation of gardener then to be vacant,
+he listened with a stupid stare of astonishment, while Betsey, with a
+flushed face, exclaimed,—"It's the first unkind thing I ever knew of
+you, Mr. Allen, to put thoughts in Robert's mind to unsettle him just
+as he was getting easy like."
+
+But when the other explained that he had already spoken to Mr. Burrel,
+who had consented that he should make a trial of his skill,—that he was
+immediately to leave the fall ploughing and go into the nursery, and
+that he should have all the advice necessary to get an insight into the
+business, his face lighted up with pleasure, and he expressed himself
+with great earnestness.
+
+"It's what I never thought of, and Betsey can testify to the same,
+but I'll do my best, you may be sure of that; and if there's anything
+in the world that I own, saving Betsey, that ye'd like, I'll make ye
+welcome to it with all my heart."
+
+"I didn't tell you all," resumed Mr. Allen, with a smile. "You're to
+live in the cottage, and Betsey is to go over there every day for a
+time to learn to make butter and cheese for the great house."
+
+"I daren't undertake it," modestly suggested the wife, blushing like a
+peony. "I'd neither get leave to eat or sleep with the worry."
+
+But she did undertake it after the necessary apprenticeship, and
+succeeded so well that Mrs. Burrel, in a letter she wrote Mrs. Allen a
+few months after their removal, said,—
+
+   "I never expected to eat such sweet butter as yours again until I
+accepted your invitation to visit you. But Betsey has proved so good a
+scholar that I cannot tell the difference, especially as she uses the
+same stamps that you did."
+
+Mr. Burrel bought the cottage once so earnestly desired by the Carters
+for the use of his farmer, but advised his new gardener to leave the
+hundred dollars in his hands, where it would be earning interest, and
+make it the beginning of a sum for his old age.
+
+Before she left, Mrs. Allen impressed upon Bobby and the other children
+the duties that would be expected of them; and I am happy to say their
+time was so constantly occupied in showing Mr. Burrel that they could
+work as well as the young Allens that they found no opportunity for
+mischief.
+
+
+Early in June following the death of Mr. Fish, Mr. Allen returned to
+the old homestead, but Mr. Greenough was not ready to vacate the house.
+His new buildings would not be completed until autumn, and he urged
+Mrs. Allen to allow his furniture to remain as it was, and take them
+all to board. This was at last agreed upon, and in July Dr. Greenough
+with his new wife also joined them, Lizzie's father having offered to
+give the young couple a start by boarding them for six months. Mrs.
+Greenough had two excellent servants who remained with Mary, so that
+she had ample time to revisit the old haunts about the farm, and make
+criticisms, if she wished, on the improvements.
+
+The cranberry season came on before the new house was ready, and a
+merry time it proved to be. Day after day the whole family—parents,
+children, and servants—were out in the meadow, their feet well guarded
+with india-rubber boots, picking, sorting, and gathering the fruit for
+market. The yield was enormous, and the profit turned out so great that
+Mr. Allen resolved before another year came round to have the adjoining
+piece of meadow drained and set over with plants.
+
+In the winter, Dr. Greenough received a visit from his friend, Horace
+Storm, who had married a pupil in the asylum with which he was
+connected, a lady with a large fortune, quite as pretty and fair more
+fascinating with her signs and demonstrative gestures, than the young
+miss who formerly lived at his father's.
+
+Matilda Fish, who had been the means, under Providence, of restoring
+Mr. Allen to his old home, inherited a fortune from her father. Soon
+after Lizzie went to housekeeping, she consented to take the young girl
+as a boarder, or rather to assume the care of her education, as her
+husband had of the fortune.
+
+Mr. Allen, by his sound judgment and his high Christian character,
+rose high in the estimation of his townsmen. Once more he consented
+to become a candidate for town offices, but only that he might
+reform abuses in them, especially in the law relating to license for
+selling liquor. In the forty-third year of his age, he was the chosen
+representative to the Legislature of the State, and succeeded so well
+in securing respect to himself in that office that his townsmen wished
+to send him again, but he declined, being unwilling to leave his family
+for so long a period.
+
+As he had promised, he gave his children every advantage which he could
+afford, though he often told them that the discipline through which
+they had passed was of more value to them than any book learning.
+
+John Allen succeeded so well in business that he rose to be
+confidential clerk of the firm,—a position which brought him a good
+support and great respect. He continued to live with Mr. Everett, where
+he was regarded as a dear friend. Bell married a son of Mr. Burrel,
+and returned to G—, while Carrie became a music-teacher in a large
+school, and was greatly admired for her energy, sweetness of temper,
+and persevering industry.
+
+And now, dear reader, having shown you how a leak in your fortune may
+be stopped by prudence, economy, foresight, and industry, I must leave
+you with the hope that you will so learn to conduct your affairs that
+there will be no leak in your fortune.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77089 ***
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+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77089 ***</div>
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+<p>Transcriber's notes: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.</p>
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+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image001" style="max-width: 33.8125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image001.jpg" alt="image001">
+</figure>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image002" style="max-width: 25.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image002.jpg" alt="image002">
+</figure>
+<p class="t4">
+<b>BROOKSIDE SERIES.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h1>STOPPING THE LEAK.</h1>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+BY<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t1">
+AUNT HATTIE.<br>
+<br>
+[Madeline Leslie]<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+BOSTON<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+PUBLISHED BY GRAVES AND YOUNG<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+No. 24 Cornhill.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1865, by<br>
+GRAVES AND YOUNG,<br>
+In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3b">
+DEDICATION<br>
+<br>
+——————<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+TO<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+HARRY AND GEORGE COLVIN,<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+SONS OF MY ESTEEMED FRIENDS IN BALTIMORE,<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+I dedicate this Volume,<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t4">
+TRUSTING IT MAY HELP THEM TO AVOID THE FOIBLES AND<br>
+<br>
+EXCESSES WHICH DESTROY FORTUNE AND CHARACTER,<br>
+<br>
+AND TO CULTIVATE INDUSTRY, ECONOMY, AND<br>
+<br>
+THOSE KINDRED VIRTUES<br>
+<br>
+WHICH DISTINGUISH THE WISE AND GOOD.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<span style="margin-left: 19.5em;">THE AUTHOR.</span><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3b">
+CONTENTS.<br>
+</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image003" style="max-width: 25.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image003.jpg" alt="image003">
+</figure>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_1">CHAPTER I.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+LADY-BIRD<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_2">CHAPTER II.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+THE RECONNOISANCE<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_3">CHAPTER III.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+DAYS OF YORE<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_4">CHAPTER IV.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+WHO IS MISTRESS?<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_5">CHAPTER V.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+FARM VERSUS RUM<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_6">CHAPTER VI.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+A RAY OF SUNSHINE<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_7">CHAPTER VII.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+POLICE AND CRIMINALS<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_8">CHAPTER VIII.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+DETECTION AND ARREST<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_9">CHAPTER IX.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+A PLUG IN THE LEAK<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_10">CHAPTER X.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_11">CHAPTER XI.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+ONE LEAK STOPPED<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_12">CHAPTER XII.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+A SECOND LEAK STOPPED<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_13">CHAPTER XIII.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+FAILURE FROM LEAKS<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_14">CHAPTER XIV.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+HOME VERSUS OYSTER SALOON<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_15">CHAPTER XV.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+AFFIDAVIT<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_16">CHAPTER XVI.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+THE RESTORED HOME<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_17">CHAPTER XVII.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+DANGER AND COURAGE<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<a href="#Chapter_18">CHAPTER XVIII.</a><br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+LEAKS ALL STOPPED<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<p class="t2">
+<b>STOPPING THE LEAK.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image004" style="max-width: 25.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image004.jpg" alt="image004"></figure>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_1">CHAPTER I.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>LADY-BIRD.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"THERE'S a leak somewhere!" was the emphatic exclamation of Mrs. Mercy
+Lovell. "I, of course, have my own opinion where it is, but that's
+neither here nor there. 'Tisn't my way to state my opinions in a hurry."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lovell had reached the house of her nephew the evening previous
+to that day on which I have so unceremoniously introduced her to my
+reader, and having been invited to a tour of reconnoisance through
+the spacious mansion, had, on her return to the dining-hall, given
+expression to the prudent remark,—</p>
+
+<p>"There's a leak somewhere!"</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Everett, wife to her nephew, stood daintily holding up her
+nicely-embroidered morning wrapper, gazing in the old lady's face with
+an air of solicitude and wonder.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you know of the servants, child?" inquired Aunt Mercy,
+condescending to smile as she saw with what reverence her opinion had
+been received. "Very little, except that the cook makes splendid coffee
+and muffins. She has only been here three days, and breakfast is the
+only meal we have taken at home."</p>
+
+<p>"Goodness sakes! Why, I should be crazy with so much going abroad. Once
+a month is as much as I ever go out to take a social cup of tea with
+a neighbor, but that don't stop the leak. Who's that finikin-looking
+creature that handed round the coffee this morning? Is she honest and
+faithful to her business?"</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose so. She waits on the table beautifully. She's been here ever
+since we commenced keeping house, and she was the one who recommended
+the new cook. Mamma says we must try and keep her, she does up my
+dresses so nicely."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, what kind of a cook did you have before?"</p>
+
+<p>The young bride laughed merrily.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, such a funny-looking woman,—nearly as broad as she was long.
+Lawrence insists she fatted on our butter; for loads of it were brought
+into the house; and yet she was always coming to me with the complaint,
+'There's no butter, ma'am.' I declare," with a heavy sigh, "I had no
+idea being married brought so much care."</p>
+
+<p>"What did you say to her? Did you insist on knowing what she had done
+with it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I insist!" There was a merry peal of laughter like the tinkling of
+silver bells. "Oh, Aunt Mercy, you're not in earnest! I told her to
+send Tom to the grocer's for more, and not trouble me."</p>
+
+<p>"And who is Tom?"</p>
+
+<p>"Now I can tell you. He's a boy, or man I suppose he'd call himself,
+since he sports mustachios, whom papa found at some out-of-the-way
+place. He had been taken up for stealing bread, because he was so very
+hungry, you know; and papa pitied him, and paid the fine, and took him
+home, where he's been ever since till I was married; and then mamma
+gave him up to me. I must have somebody to do errands, you know; and
+mamma could spare him because the coachman is good-natured and is
+willing to do such things."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you any more servants?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; Lawrence laughed at the idea of three being necessary to wait upon
+two of us, but mamma thought I ought to have a woman for myself."</p>
+
+<p>"A woman! What for, pray?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, a dressing-woman, of course. A French woman is best,—one who can
+dress hair, and is skilful about the toilet."</p>
+
+<p>"If you can't dress your own hair, you are not as smart as I am. I
+never had anybody touch a comb to my head since I can remember," said
+Aunt Mercy, decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>Lily glanced at the stiff pug on the back of the old lady's head, and
+again the peal of music echoed through the rooms. Laughter is always
+contagious; and Mrs. Lovell's risibles were not proof against the
+appeal, even though she shrewdly suspected herself to be the object of
+it.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," she said, pursing her mouth, "I think we shall come at the
+bottom of the leak by and by. I may as well go to my chamber and get
+my knitting,—I suppose you have some work,—and we can talk the subject
+over."</p>
+
+<p>Lily colored a very little as she answered,—</p>
+
+<p>"I scarcely know how to sew. I mean to learn by and by. Lawrence was so
+surprised when he asked me to sew a button on his shirt that I rang for
+Ann to do it. He said he thought girls learned to sew as soon as they
+could walk."</p>
+
+<p>The old lady stopped short and gazed at her niece over the top of her
+glasses as if she were a new and curious specimen of the animal kingdom
+that ought to be critically examined.</p>
+
+<p>"For mercy's sake, child, do tell what you can do with yourself from
+morning till night!"</p>
+
+<p>Lily threw herself into a chair laughing till the tears stood in her
+eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Why, you see," she answered, when she could speak, "I only left
+school two months before I was married; and then my time was all taken
+up with French and Italian and music. I finished the regular course
+a year before, but mamma wanted me to be very learned,—" another
+laugh,—"and then I had Monsieur Follywasher three times a week for my
+dancing-lesson."</p>
+
+<p>"Goodness! If I'd been your ma, I wouldn't have trusted you with a man
+who had such a heathenish name for nothing. Pray, what did you want of
+a dancing-master? You float round anyhow just like one of the fairies
+I've read of."</p>
+
+<p>"Monsieur Follywasher would say I owed it to him if I move gracefully.
+He's a Frenchman, though his grandfather was a German, as his name
+denotes. He's the sweetest, dearest man, with such cunning little
+whiskers, perfumed up so nicely. All the girls were in love with him."</p>
+
+<p>"Were you?" The gaze was almost stern this time.</p>
+
+<p>"I! Oh, no, indeed! Why, Lawrence had been waiting on me a year;
+besides, I don't mean exactly in love, only they admired him
+excessively. He's so handsome and graceful!"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see how you ever fell in love with Lawrence. I always thought
+he was the plainest-featured of any of my nephews; and none of 'em
+would be taken for Apollo."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Aunt Mercy, you're too funny! Why, I think Lawrence is splendid.
+He's got such great black eyes, and such a heavy, curling beard,—I'm
+very proud of his beard,—and then when he smiles, he shows his elegant
+teeth. The girls used to wonder I was not afraid of him,—and he is
+sober, but he always smiles for me. I had ever so many beaus," she
+rattled on. "Papa is rich, you know, and I'm his only child; and then
+I'm not particularly ugly, I suppose," she added, with a pretty tinge
+of rose coloring her lily cheek, "but I never liked anybody till I saw
+Lawrence."</p>
+
+<p>The old lady gazed at the pretty creature for a moment in silence, and
+then, recalling the subject with which they began, remarked, gravely,—</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose you carry the keys."</p>
+
+<p>"What keys, Aunt Mercy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the keys to the store-closet where the sugar and raisins and eggs
+are kept, and the keys to your bureau where you put your laces and
+rings, and all such finery."</p>
+
+<p>Lily's eyes were opened wider than ever. She arched her delicate
+eyebrows as she inquired, eagerly,—</p>
+
+<p>"What should I want of keys to the store-room? I don't even know
+whether there are locks on the doors. If there are, I suppose cook and
+Tom attend to them. Ann, of course, puts away my jewels; and she is
+responsible for their safekeeping."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," was the horrified exclamation, "I'm beat now! Why,
+the biggest fortune in Europe—and they say the Rothschilds' is the
+biggest—couldn't hold out no time against such goings-on!"</p>
+
+<p>Here the old lady, fearing she should say something she ought not,
+hurried to her room for her knitting. In a few minutes there was a loud
+peal at the bell, and, peering through the closed blinds, Mrs. Lovell
+saw an elegant carriage, two prancing black mares, and a liveried
+driver at the door. An elegantly dressed lady sat within the carriage,
+giving directions to the footman, whom she had sent to the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Everett is at home," the old lady heard him say as he let down
+the steps for her to alight.</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma, come up to my room, please," called Lily, over the balusters.</p>
+
+<p>"So that's Mrs. Percival," said the old lady, with a sigh. "Why, she's
+dressed out like a duchess! And what a carriage! Two servants, too, as
+respectable-looking men as there are in our town. I should think they'd
+be ashamed of themselves, spending their lives so. Just look now at
+that great popinjay getting up behind. Well, well! It does beat all.
+Little I thought, when I used to give Lawrence a piece of short-cake
+for bringing in wood, that he'd cut such a dash as this."</p>
+
+<p>Her reverie was cut short by a quick knock at her door. And Lily, with
+a tiny hat shading her beaming face, hastened in to say,—</p>
+
+<p>"What will you do with yourself, Aunt Mercy? Mamma has called to take
+me out for a drive, but I'll be sure to come home before Lawrence
+leaves the store. He pretends, foolish fellow, that he likes to have me
+open the door for him."</p>
+
+<p>Oh, how the light sparkled from her eyes as she said this! Then she
+added, thoughtful of her duties to her guest,—</p>
+
+<p>"Will you ring the bell and order lunch whenever you wish it? I shall
+stop with mamma to see a friend."</p>
+
+<p>"La! Don't you worry about me," returned Aunt Mercy, much pleased to
+be even thought of under the circumstances. "I'll find enough to do; I
+shall hunt up Lawrence's stockings, and darn the holes. I'll take care
+of myself, never fear."</p>
+
+<p>Lily bent down and pressed her rosy lips to the old lady's cheek. It
+was a trifling, every-day act, but somehow it made Aunt Mercy's eyes
+grow dim.</p>
+
+<p>"She's a sweet, beguiling creature," she repeated to herself, rising
+and walking to the window to see the last of them, "but she's no more
+fit than a new-born babe to be trusted with a house."</p>
+
+<p>Lily ran lightly down the steps, nodding pleasantly both to the
+coachman and footman, who were old family servants, and then followed
+her mamma into the carriage. Mrs. Lovell lost not one motion until
+the carriage rolled away from the door, and then she sat down to her
+knitting to compose her thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," she said to herself, "no wonder Adam ate the apple, if
+Eve gave it to him with a smile like Lily's! She's pretty as a picter,
+but that don't make her fit to keep house."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_2">CHAPTER II.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE RECONNOISANCE.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>AUNT MERCY'S thoughts kept her busy for an hour, her stocking,
+meanwhile, growing visibly. Then she started up for a visit to the
+kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder who ordered dinner," she said to herself, as she went down
+the broad staircase.</p>
+
+<p>The table was spread in the kitchen with cold ham, spring chicken, an
+egg omelet, and hot coffee. And around it sat cook, Ann, Tom, and a
+hugely-whiskered stranger, partaking of the highly-seasoned viands with
+great relish.</p>
+
+<p>To say that Mrs. Lovell was surprised would but feebly express her
+feelings, as, with one quick glance, she took in the whole scene. But
+she was far too shrewd to allow this to be perceived, and merely saying
+to the cook, "Mrs. Everett will dine at home to-day," passed on through
+the kitchen to a large pantry beyond.</p>
+
+<p>She had already visited this apartment once, in company with her niece,
+but now everything wore a different aspect. Cook joined her instantly,
+her cheeks glowing like fire.</p>
+
+<p>"It's not what I'm used to," she began, in a loud tone, "to have
+company intrude on my apartments. If ye want lunch, I'll send Tom with
+it to yer order. Mrs. Everett is the mistress here; and I'll not have
+two to dale with!"</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Mercy had already spied an elegant damask napkin protruding from
+a drawer under the dressers, and deigning no answer to this harangue,
+except a momentary stare over her glasses, deliberately proceeded to
+make a more thorough search of the premises than she had thought it
+prudent to do in the presence of her niece. Pulling open, therefore,
+the broad, deep drawer, she found the napkin used to enfold half a
+dozen of the delicate muffins admired so much at the breakfast-table;
+underneath it were two long, damask table-covers of the finest quality,
+soiled and stained with fruit, four damask towels, one fine linen
+pillow-case, the delicate lace ruffle torn from contact with a nail in
+the drawer, and lastly a loaf of frosted cake.</p>
+
+<p>Without one word of comment, and proceeding as calmly as if the
+inspection were an every-day affair, Mrs. Lovell throw one after
+another of the soiled articles across her arm, as totally unmindful of
+the abuse and coarse invectives Bridget was heaping on her head as she
+would have been of the buzzing of a fly.</p>
+
+<p>By this time Ann and her associates had pushed back their chairs from
+their disturbed luncheon, and were waiting to see what would follow.
+The muffins were placed on a plate in the dresser, and a net cover put
+over them, the frosted cake carefully deposited in a tin box standing
+empty on a chair, and then the old lady said, calmly,—</p>
+
+<p>"Ann, wont you get me a small tub? I'll show you how to take the stains
+from these table-covers while cook prepares my luncheon."</p>
+
+<p>Turning to the latter, who stood, her arms akimbo, casting defiant
+glances first at her and then at her companions, she said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Make me a cup of tea,—oolong, if you have it; one spoonful will do,
+and send it up on a tray with a slice of ham and the muffins you'll
+find in the cupboard."</p>
+
+<p>"Sure as yer alive, the old critter's deaf!" murmured the stranger, in
+a low voice, to Ann.</p>
+
+<p>"Look here!" said Mrs. Lovell, carefully gathering all the stains into
+her hand and laying them in the tub. "Pour boiling water on the spots,
+and repeat as often as it cools. Then dry them, and they'll be ready
+for the wash."</p>
+
+<p>Casting her eyes to the table, she saw that one of the best covers had
+been used, and she said, coolly,—</p>
+
+<p>"You'd better do that cloth at the same time. I see it has strawberry
+stains on it."</p>
+
+<p>She waited until Ann brought the large kettle from the range and poured
+on the water, and then, with another glance around the room, walked
+up-stairs, taking the box of fruit-cake with her.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well!" she thought. "Sure enough, I've begun to find the
+leak. 'Twould take more than the Rothschilds' money to support such
+extravagance. 'Twill be the ruin of Lawrence before he's a year older.
+Goodness sakes! How that woman did rave! Frosted cake, coffee, and
+jellies! I'm beat now!"</p>
+
+<p>She sat waiting in the dining-room for her lunch to be served, and
+might have waited a month, but for a step in the hall, and a voice,
+calling,—</p>
+
+<p>"Lily, my Lady-bird, where are you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Lily's gone out to ride," explained Aunt Mercy, hurrying to the door.
+"She'll be terribly disappointed though; she calculated on being at
+home before you came."</p>
+
+<p>It was evident the husband was keenly disappointed, but he made an
+effort to conceal it.</p>
+
+<p>"I hurried through my business," he said, "to come home and lunch with
+you both. Have you ordered anything?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes,—a cup of tea and some cold ham. There is coffee and muffins
+below, and chickens, if they are not all eaten up."</p>
+
+<p>He rang the bell with a quick jerk.</p>
+
+<p>"Bring up lunch for two," he said, as Tom made his appearance,—"the
+best you have."</p>
+
+<p>Ann came at once to lay the table.</p>
+
+<p>"You may set the teapot by my plate," said Mrs. Lovell. "I'll pour out
+and wait on my nephew, so you can go on with your work."</p>
+
+<p>She spoke pleasantly, but Ann looked sullen, and made no reply. The old
+lady had determined to improve the opportunity to enlighten her nephew
+in regard to the want of proper management in the kitchen department.
+As soon as they were alone, he opened the conversation at once.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Aunt Mercy, how do you like my Lady-bird?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think she's the sweetest, dearest, most beguiling creature I ever
+did see!" responded Mrs. Lovell, warmly. "Why, only think! She came to
+bid me good-by when there was the beautifullest carriage waiting for
+her,—and she actually kissed me too!"</p>
+
+<p>"That was because you'd been praising me, I suppose," he answered,
+laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"No, I told her you were thought to favor me; that you were the
+homeliest of all my nephews, but she wouldn't agree to that. It's no
+kind o' use to repeat what she did say, 'cause she makes no secret
+of it I take it. I've been a-wondering whether Eve was any like her;
+'cause if she was—"</p>
+
+<p>"You think I'd eat the apple," he said, interrupting her. "Well, I see
+she's made a convert of you, and I'm glad to see my two best friends
+understand each other. I never shall forget what you've been to me,
+Aunt Mercy. I've told the story to Lily, and she's all ready to love
+you as well as I do."</p>
+
+<p>The old lady coughed and choked. Not all Bridget's invectives had moved
+her as those simple words did. But the meal was almost finished, and
+she had not yet hinted at the subject she wished.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder what Mrs. Percival could be thinking of, to let her daughter
+be married till she'd learned how to manage a family. Why, Lily, pretty
+as she is, knows no more about what's going on in the house than a
+china doll."</p>
+
+<p>"I suppose I must take the blame of that," returned Mr. Everett, while
+a little cloud rested on his brow. "I thought she'd learn better
+when she saw the necessity for it, and so she will with a few hints
+from you. She's as light-hearted as a bird, and I would not have her
+otherwise for all the money in this rich city. But, as I wrote you,
+housekeeping is a ruinous business to a young man."</p>
+
+<p>"There's a dreadful leak somewhere!" she remarked, gravely. "And it
+must be stopped."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," he continued, "I'm convinced that it costs us more than it
+need to, even to live in style, but how to manage is the question. My
+Lady-bird knows absolutely nothing about economy, and how she is to
+learn it without troubling her pretty self is a problem I should like
+to see solved."</p>
+
+<p>"It's plain there must be a head to such an establishment as this,
+Lawrence."</p>
+
+<p>She then proceeded to give him, in brief, the result of her morning
+reconnoisance.</p>
+
+<p>He bit his lip with anger, rose and paced the room, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be ruined if we go on at this rate. Say, Aunt Mercy, what can
+be done?"</p>
+
+<p>"I've thought it all over," she said, "while I was waiting here by
+myself. 'Tisn't very convenient, but if it's duty, it must be done.
+I've set out to find the leak, and when I do, I think I can contrive to
+stop it. I'll write home to Caroline to shut up the house and go back
+to her mother's, and I'll remain and right things up, but first I must
+have authority from you and Lily, so that the servants will obey me."</p>
+
+<p>He answered by ringing the bell.</p>
+
+<p>"Tom," he said, when the youth appeared, "my aunt, Mrs. Lovell, will
+give you directions for the future. You will go to market under her
+instruction, and you may repeat what I say to Bridget and Ann."</p>
+
+<p>The old lady had her eye on Tom when the order was given. She was
+convinced that her first opinion of him was correct.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Everett sat a few moments talking with his aunt, then wandered
+restlessly to the parlor, to see whether Lily was net in sight. Though
+absent from her but a few hours, he longed for a glimpse of her bright
+face. He ran up to her chamber, and presently called at the stairs,—</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Mercy, come up here!"</p>
+
+<p>It was the old lady's first peep into that sanctuary, and, for a
+moment, she stood at the entrance, her keen eye glancing quickly from
+one object to another.</p>
+
+<p>The house was built by an old nabob on his return from a long sojourn
+in the Indies, and this room was especially fitted up for his young
+bride. On one side of the apartment the floor was raised about a foot
+and covered with marble of different colors set in mosaic. Upon this
+platform stood the bedstead covered with elaborately-wrought lace
+depending from a gilded scroll fastened to the ceiling. Curtains of
+lace and delicately-tinted rose damask partially concealed the windows.
+Chairs and lounges stood inviting the weary to repose; a costly mirror,
+reaching nearly to the ceiling and resting on gilded brackets, was
+flanked on each side by gilded statues holding lights for gas, while
+the toilet-table and its belongings were wonders of art. The young
+husband stood in the doorway leading to the dressing-room, a complacent
+smile hovering over his features as he witnessed Aunt Mercy's gaze of
+astonishment, and then said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Come in here; it was to show you this I called you."</p>
+
+<p>"It is very, very beautiful. It is like a fairy tale," she murmured,
+slowly advancing, "but—"</p>
+
+<p>"I know what you would say," he exclaimed, interrupting her, "and it
+is a question I sometimes ask myself: Can I, ought I, to start in
+life so luxuriously? Lily has been used to all this from her birth,
+and scarcely notices it. I do not believe she depends on costly
+surroundings for happiness, but I love to see her in the midst of
+beauty, and I think I can afford it. One thing is certain: I have not
+run in debt. Your teachings have proved too powerful for that. Now rest
+in that chair, and let me show you something."</p>
+
+<p>He lifted a book bound in velvet from the table and raised the clasps
+with reverence. There was a worked book-mark carefully laid in at the
+twelfth chapter of Exodus, and to this he turned.</p>
+
+<p>"This was my bridal gift to my Lady-bird," he said, speaking her name
+tenderly,—"the one she says she prizes most. Dear little girl! Among
+all her gay accomplishments, she had never been taught the Bible's
+blessed truths. I told her how I loved this book, and what I hoped
+it had done for me; that the warnings I found here had saved me
+from becoming what most of all she loathes,—a profligate; that its
+invitations had led me to One better than any earthly friend, because
+his love bestows all blessing. 'If you will learn to love the Bible,' I
+said, 'our affection, begun in this world, will go on ripening through
+all eternity.'</p>
+
+<p>"She looked full of wonder as she exclaimed, 'I always thought the
+Bible would make one gloomy.'</p>
+
+<p>"'But you don't call me gloomy,' I said, smiling.</p>
+
+<p>"'Oh, no, indeed! I will read it and love it, if it will make me like
+you.'</p>
+
+<p>"Since that, she has never left her room in the morning till she has
+read a chapter. See, this was what she read this morning. All the time
+I was dressing, she was talking to me about it. I can't help thinking
+that the Spirit of God is moving on her heart; and oh, what a Christian
+she would make! So full of enthusiasm and soul! Do you wonder now, Aunt
+Mercy, that I thought it not too soon to remove her from the atmosphere
+of worldliness which surrounded her at home, and have her here, where I
+could turn her thoughts to high and noble views of life?"</p>
+
+<p>The old lady's dim eyes answered him sufficiently.</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad you told me this," she murmured, her voice trembling. "I
+thought she was different from other gay girls. Have you ever taught
+her to pray, Lawrence?"</p>
+
+<p>He colored a little as he said, hurriedly,—</p>
+
+<p>"I never thought to tell these things; they seem too sacred. But you
+have been a mother to me, and—yes, I will tell you.</p>
+
+<p>"The morning after we were married, I took my pocket-Bible and read as
+usual. I noticed that she looked sober, but I didn't know what foolish
+fears were filling her little heart. Then I knelt in the closet,
+beckoning her to come, if she wished, and kneel by me. She did not,
+but stood leaning against the door. I offered my petition silently,
+as I had been accustomed to do, and when I arose, my poor, frightened
+Lady-bird threw herself into my arms.</p>
+
+<p>"'Are you going to die, Lawrence, that you pray?' she asked, quickly.</p>
+
+<p>"I noticed that her eyes were moist and her lips tremulous, but I
+didn't understand her fears.</p>
+
+<p>"'No, darling,' I said, seating her for the first time on my knee. 'I
+was thanking our good Father for my beautiful, loving wife; and then I
+asked him to teach me to care for your best comfort, so that you might
+never regret you had left your father and mother, and come to live with
+me.'</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you could have seen her face brighten. She put her cheek close
+to mine, and said, softly,—</p>
+
+<p>"'I would like to thank him too, but, Lawrence,' she added, in a
+moment, 'I thought,—I always heard, people prayed to God when they knew
+they must die, so that they could go to heaven, you know. I thought God
+was angry with us, and wanted us to be sober all the time, and not at
+all loving and nice.'</p>
+
+<p>"I was really frightened to see how ignorant she was, even of the
+simplest Bible truths, and thought our morning could not be better
+spent than in telling her what glorious news was contained in its pages.</p>
+
+<p>"I began with the Garden of Eden, sketching briefly the stories of the
+creation and fall, so familiarly known to every Sabbath-scholar.</p>
+
+<p>"She was greatly excited and sometimes laughed heartily. Eve she
+condemned totally, but for Adam's sin she found some excuse,
+exclaiming, with a tear in her eye,—</p>
+
+<p>"'He loved her so well, you know, Lawrence.'</p>
+
+<p>"From this point, I went rapidly on to the birth of the Saviour, when
+she frequently interrupted me by asking,—</p>
+
+<p>"'Is it true, Lawrence,—is this all true? Oh, why did nobody ever tell
+me of it before? And you say he's been loving me all this time?'</p>
+
+<p>"Her head sank lower and lower on her breast, until I lifted it with a
+kiss. 'When you kneel again,' she asked, hiding her face in my neck,
+'will you ask him to forgive me?'</p>
+
+<p>"'Yes, darling, I'll ask him now.'</p>
+
+<p>"This time we knelt together, and I implored the forgiveness and mercy
+of God for us both, and asked that our love for each other might
+increase, as it certainly would, if we obeyed the rules given us for
+our conduct in the sacred word.</p>
+
+<p>"I never saw such a holy light on her face as beamed there when we
+arose. I gathered her in my arms, and vowed while life lasted to do all
+in my power for her happiness."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_3">CHAPTER III.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>DAYS OF YORE.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>AUNT MERCY stealthily wiped a tear from her eye, and finding she had no
+voice to answer, was hastening from the room, when a sweet voice in the
+hall arrested her steps.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I'm sorry I stayed so then! Where is he?" was the hurried
+exclamation.</p>
+
+<p>Lawrence started forward, laughing, and caught her in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>"Here I am, my truant bird, ready to hear you defend yourself. Why were
+you not here to open the door for me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Are you really sorry?" she asked, after a searching glance in his
+face. "I wish I'd been here, for I had a tedious ride, after all.
+Mamma's friend wanted to shop; and I was so tired of hearing silks and
+tissues and laces discussed I—What do you think I did?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sat in the carriage and thought of me, of course."</p>
+
+<p>She laughed merrily, exclaiming, as she glanced archly at Aunt Mercy,—</p>
+
+<p>"Did you ever see such a man?"</p>
+
+<p>"He always was a little vain," was the old lady's remark.</p>
+
+<p>"I did, I did!" she exclaimed. "I thought what a kind, patient husband
+you are, and how hard I would try to be worthy of you."</p>
+
+<p>A softened light beamed in his eyes as he whispered fond words of
+endearment in her ear.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>It was not a light task Mrs. Lovell had undertaken, when she promised
+her nephew that she would do her best to find and stop the leak.
+Whenever she stepped her foot into the kitchen, it was the signal
+for cook, Ann, and Tom to maintain a profound silence. If she asked
+a question, they either did not answer at all or pretended profound
+ignorance of the subject in question. The drawers and dressers were
+thoroughly overlooked, but there the work of reform seemed to stop. The
+servants took pleasure in misunderstanding her orders. And every day
+proved the want of a systematic overseer in the household.</p>
+
+<p>One day, after the old lady had delivered a lecture in the kitchen
+on economy, the dinner was served up in so meagre a style that Mr.
+Everett, who had brought home guests, ordered it back to the kitchen,
+and sent Tom to a hotel near by for means to serve a decent repast. It
+was no time for the old lady to explain, but she made a resolve either
+to take the whole care of the household, and hire new servants, or to
+give up interfering with them. She was rather amused to see that Lily
+did not feel at all involved in the disgrace of having a poor dinner
+for her husband's guests, but was engaged in watching what he would do
+in such an emergency. She had not yet learned that it is a wife's duty
+to see that the money a husband provides for the use of his family is
+properly expended.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Lily awoke feverish and languid, with a severe
+soreness in her throat. Mr. Everett was greatly alarmed, and wished at
+once to summon the doctor, but she told him she was subject to such
+attacks, and she thought with some simple remedies, such as Ann knew
+how to apply, it would soon pass away. She promised to lie quiet, let
+Ann bring her coffee to the bed, and then try to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately, Mr. Everett had a business engagement which would occupy
+most of the morning, otherwise he would not have left her. But he sent
+for his breakfast to be brought to his chamber. Then he sat by the bed
+and read the account of Christ healing the sick, after which he prayed
+the good Physician to bestow healing mercy on the dear afflicted one.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," he said, cheerfully, "as I cannot be with you, I shall get Aunt
+Mercy to come, and tell you some of my pranks when I was a boy; she is
+very eloquent on that subject."</p>
+
+<p>Lily was delighted; and her husband did not leave her until the old
+lady was duly installed in her arm-chair near the bed, her knitting in
+hand, and her glasses exactly on the end of her nose, ready to dilate
+on her favorite theme.</p>
+
+<p>"Did Lawrence ever tell you," she began, "how I came in the place of a
+mother to him?"</p>
+
+<p>"He told me quite a romantic story connected with it," answered Lily,
+her eyes sparkling with pleasure at the thought of hearing it in detail.</p>
+
+<p>"You will laugh, I suppose," the old lady commenced, "at the idea that
+I was ever called handsome, but there was a time when my cheeks and
+lips were rosy, my eyes bright, and my hair black and abundant. I was
+very lively, too, in those far-off days; for the world looked very fair
+and lovely to me.</p>
+
+<p>"My father was the richest man in the place, being the owner of the
+large factories that supplied half the village with work. I was,
+therefore, always kept at school, and was considered quite a prodigy
+in learning. One winter (how well I remember it!) I was sent to the
+academy in Leicester. It was at that time the most popular school in
+the State. It was to be my last term, and I resolved to do my best.</p>
+
+<p>"The teacher, whose name was Everett, was a graduate from Harvard,
+and was just commencing the study of law. He was dependent on his own
+exertions for support; and as he loved teaching, he had obtained this
+school, studying at intervals in the office of Squire Wellington, of
+Leicester."</p>
+
+<p>For a few moments Aunt Mercy seemed wholly absorbed in her knitting,
+but suddenly rousing herself, went on.</p>
+
+<p>"It is strange for me to tear away the curtain of time from those
+early days for you, so much of a stranger, to look in. But I will say,
+in brief, that young Everett paid me marked attention, which woke
+an interest for him in my heart. At last, he told me he loved me,
+and asked me to be his wife. I consented, with the proviso that my
+parents approved. One Saturday afternoon, he drove to the door of my
+boarding-house in the handsomest sleigh the town afforded, to take me
+home, in order to gain my parents' consent. This was not difficult; for
+he had brought letters of recommendation from men high in rank, whom my
+father could trust.</p>
+
+<p>"That was a happy Sabbath,—the happiest, I said to myself, that
+I had ever known; and I looked forward to the future with bright
+anticipations of many such days. There was only one circumstance which
+lessened my pleasure, and this was the absence of my only sister, who
+had gone to pass a few days with our grandmother.</p>
+
+<p>"We returned to Leicester the next morning in season for school,
+feeling that earth contained no two persons with prospects of happiness
+fairer than ours.</p>
+
+<p>"I had a new incentive to study,—for I wished my teacher to feel proud
+of his choice,—and at the end of the term graduated with the highest
+honors of the school, having received the prizes both for composition
+and deportment from the trustees, with the chairman of whom I had
+boarded.</p>
+
+<p>"I went home directly after this, and Mr. Everett returned to Harvard
+to complete his studies. He couldn't expect to have a home for me for
+several years, but I was young, and willing to wait.</p>
+
+<p>"Though I had left school, I did not give up my studies. I pursued a
+course of reading under the direction of my teacher; and much of our
+correspondence, during two years, was on subjects which interested me,
+connected with my reading. During the second year of our engagement,
+I accepted an invitation to visit a schoolmate near the college, and
+remained there six weeks, seeing Mr. Everett more frequently than I
+had ever done before. I used often to compare him with other young
+gentlemen who called, and had no hesitation in pronouncing him superior
+to them all.</p>
+
+<p>"The next year I had the small-pox, which left some few marks on
+my face. I have often since wondered that I did not feel more
+mortification on account of this disfigurement, which, to be sure,
+every one told me was slight and would entirely disappear in time.
+But I knew that if my friend was pitted so that nothing of his former
+complexion could be seen, it would only increase my affection for him,
+or rather increase the manifestation of it. I would not allow to myself
+that I could love him more.</p>
+
+<p>"At last, he wrote me that he had been admitted to the bar, that he had
+opened an office in the pleasant village of W—, and that he wanted me
+to fulfil my promise to be his. I laid the letter before my parents.
+My trunks were already filled with preparations for housekeeping. My
+father had long ago informed Mr. Everett that five thousand dollars lay
+waiting in the county bank for my benefit; so that nothing remained but
+to prepare dresses suitable for a bride.</p>
+
+<p>"I wrote an answer that I would be ready in a month. How happy I was
+then! Three times a week I received long epistles from my lover, full
+of assurances of his undying affection. Ah, how trusting I was! But the
+time was hastening when I was to be undeceived.</p>
+
+<p>"I had but one sister, four years younger than myself, a sweet,
+confiding girl grown suddenly to womanhood. I had from a child been
+called the beauty of the family, while Charlotte, or Lottie, as we
+lovingly called her, was plain, but years had improved her complexion
+as it had marred mine. She was of a happy temperament, flirting from
+room to room, singing, oh; so merrily!</p>
+
+<p>"Strange enough, she had never seen Mr. Everett, but she often gazed
+admiringly on a miniature he had sent me, wondering how it would seem
+to have a brother.</p>
+
+<p>"He came at last, two days before the time appointed for the wedding;
+for we were to leave directly after the ceremony, and there were many
+arrangements to be made. There was a stage-coach which passed our house
+twice in a day. It was by this in the afternoon of Tuesday that I
+expected him. In the morning, therefore, Lottie and I went out to make
+calls at the houses of some poor friends whom I might not see again for
+years. She grew tired, and I urged her to return, while I took a longer
+route home."</p>
+
+<p>The old lady suddenly caught off her glasses; and Lily could see bright
+drops standing in her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't you guess, child, what happened then?" she asked, the words
+coming with an effort.</p>
+
+<p>"No, Aunt Mercy; Lawrence never told me you had been married twice."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought I had forgotten all that weary sorrow," she murmured. "I
+thought that I could tell what followed without the dreadful pain
+at my heart which never left me for years afterward. I reached home
+soon after noon. Mr. Everett had been there for hours talking with
+Lottie,—sometimes of me, but more of herself. Why had not I told him,
+he asked, of her charms?</p>
+
+<p>"Then I made my appearance with the scars on my face brightened by my
+long and tedious walk. He received me politely, but I saw the change.
+How I lived through that day and the next, I cannot tell you. He
+avoided being alone with me until Thursday morning, until within a few
+hours before the time our friends would assemble, when he demanded an
+interview. He told me to hate him,—to forget him; his affection had
+changed. He loved my sister.</p>
+
+<p>"Pride came to bear me up; and when he saw how coldly I received this
+announcement, he charged me with not loving him as I ought,—that it
+was well for both of us that the engagement be broken. I did not
+try to undeceive him. I bowed assent, and went out,—anywhere to be
+alone,—anywhere that I might rouse myself from this dreadful dream. I
+thought I had the nightmare; that it could not be true. Only a short
+time before, and I was so happy! Now what was I? A poor, crushed,
+despised creature thrown aside as worthless.</p>
+
+<p>"The company came and went. I was missing, and the ceremony could not
+go on. Mr. Everett went too, but not before he had told Lottie his love.</p>
+
+<p>"My father was a man of easy temper, bound up in his children. I was
+afterwards told that they found me in an arbor at the bottom of the
+garden, lying on the ground insensible. The first I can remember I
+was in his arms, as he carried me to my chamber. I had never before
+seen him angry, but when I was laid on a couch, and had swallowed some
+ammonia and water, I heard him use words that made me tremble. He
+called Everett by every vile epithet he could think of. He summoned
+Charlotte into the room, and threatened her with being disinherited
+if she ever dared to speak or write to that black-hearted villain. He
+seemed to have an idea that all this would soothe me,—would avenge my
+sorrows.</p>
+
+<p>"It was a long, long time before I could venture forth into the fresh
+air. I felt that I was disgraced forever. I avoided company; and at
+last, my health was greatly affected. Our physician advised change of
+scene; and I went to the West with a cousin for a long visit. There
+I became acquainted with Dr. Lovell, who knew my sad history from my
+cousin. He tried to win me to brighter views of duty; and finally,
+I consented to be his wife. I was to go home for a month, where he
+would follow me and the wedding would take place immediately. The week
+before I returned, I received a letter from home, with the startling
+announcement that, during a visit to a friend in the city, Lottie had
+been privately married to Mr. Everett.</p>
+
+<p>"The couple then wrote my parents, begging forgiveness, but father
+returned the letter in a blank envelope. He made a will the next day,
+leaving every cent of his property to be divided between mother and
+myself. By one proviso, mother was to forfeit half hers if, as the
+clause read, she gave anything to her lost daughter. He never seemed to
+imagine that I should feel any disposition to forgive them."</p>
+
+<p>"But you did,—I know you did!" murmured Lily, the tears running down
+her cheeks. "You gave her a home, and took care of her boy."</p>
+
+<p>She caught the old lady's hand and pressed it to her lips.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, dear, since you know the rest, I'll end my long story."</p>
+
+<p>"No, please tell me. I do so want to know everything."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you can't understand it, Lily, but as soon as my respect for
+my old teacher was gone, all my love died out. Dr. Lovell was a very
+kind husband, and as, by my father's request, he removed from the West,
+I seemed to have every wish gratified. But sorrow came soon. By a most
+singular coincidence, my father and Mr. Everett were on a train of cars
+when there was a collision. Father was not supposed to be seriously
+hurt, but my brother-in-law was killed instantly.</p>
+
+<p>"Now we hoped father would relent, but he did not. He refused to hear
+a word in poor Lottie's behalf; and soon disease was developed in
+consequence of his injury which, after five months, terminated his life.</p>
+
+<p>"I instantly sent for my sister to come to his funeral, but Lawrence
+was only three weeks old, and she was not able. Dr. Lovell visited
+her at my request a week later; and she returned with him, a feeble,
+heartbroken woman. It is sufficient to say that she had not found the
+happiness in her marriage which she expected. Mr. Everett's temper
+was seriously affected by their troubles. He was greatly prospered in
+business for a year or two, but there was a leak somewhere. Poor Lottie
+knew nothing about housekeeping; and the money he gave her for family
+purposes was not well expended; and this made him cross. I don't know
+exactly how it was, but they were always in trouble,—he constantly
+throwing the blame on her, and she retorting bitterly, until, by his
+sudden death, she was left penniless."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_4">CHAPTER IV.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>WHO IS MISTRESS?</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>IN a day or two, Lily was entirely restored to health. The story of
+Aunt Mercy had made a deep impression on her mind, causing a shade of
+thought to rest on her fair features. The old lady she treated with
+great attention, notwithstanding sundry hints thrown out by Ann that
+she was a fidgety, fussy, meddling woman; that visitors had better keep
+in their own rooms, and not interfere with what didn't belong to them.</p>
+
+<p>It was Mrs. Lovell's method to go into the kitchen at the most
+unexpected hours. Sometimes she arose early and took a general survey
+of the premises before any one was stirring; and then again she would
+wait till they had retired for the night; or, she would appear in the
+midst of the preparation for dinner. Finding she paid no attention to
+their sullen disregard of her wishes, cook and Tom grew more insolent
+than ever, and on one occasion bolted the door in her face. To be
+sure, she might at any minute have caused their dismissal by reporting
+their conduct to her nephew, but she reasoned that the next set might
+prove no better; and she was convinced that there were some underhand
+dealings in the kitchen which, if she could prove upon them, would be a
+lesson of warning to poor, unsuspecting Lady-bird.</p>
+
+<p>From the first she had suspected Tom. Ever since he could remember,
+he had lived in the street, from which he had been rescued by Mr.
+Percival after being detected in petty larceny only to be placed in
+circumstances of far greater temptation. Besides, his looks were
+greatly against him. He had a low, retreating forehead, and never
+could be made to look you full in the face. Many times the old lady
+had noticed a glance toward his fellow-servants, low, cunning, and
+malicious, such as had for an instant appeared on his face when
+notified by Mr. Everett that he was to go to market under the direction
+of his aunt.</p>
+
+<p>On several occasions, Aunt Mercy, whose eyes were wide open, had
+noticed glances of warning when she suddenly entered the kitchen; and
+then the cook had hurried away to the pantry, where she was apparently
+busy at work when Mrs. Lovell entered. Keeping her suspicions entirely
+to herself, she became every day more convinced that, aside from the
+great waste of every article of provision, flour, coffee, tea, sugar,
+butter, etc., there was a most mysterious disappearance of these
+articles, especially the latter.</p>
+
+<p>Setting her wits at work, she tried to contrive some method of
+detecting the plot. Sometimes she resolved to go in person to the
+grocer and look at the books, but though she might thus ascertain how
+much butter, for instance, had been ordered, she couldn't say it had
+not all been used in the family. The more she saw of the servants, the
+more she was convinced that, unless this terrible leak in her nephew's
+expenditures could be stopped, he would be ruined.</p>
+
+<p>She had been in the house nearly a month, when her nephew came one
+morning to her chamber holding a paper in his hand. His face was very
+grave as he seated himself by her, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"I have just received the grocer's bill, which I ordered to be sent
+once a month. It is nearly three, and it has swelled to such an amount
+that I am frightened. Why, at this rate, our mere living will cost us
+between four and five thousand dollars a year!"</p>
+
+<p>"More than that, as I have calculated it," eagerly answered Aunt Mercy.
+"Beside the shocking waste, I'm convinced there's dishonesty in your
+kitchen."</p>
+
+<p>She related facts on which she had founded her suspicions until he grew
+very angry.</p>
+
+<p>"I can do no good here," she added. "As you are now situated, I am only
+one against three; for I feel confident they are all implicated. There
+must be a thorough overturn,—new servants, new rules. Some one who
+can be trusted must keep the keys to the store-room, and deal out the
+articles as they are needed. I wish Lily—"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't expect Lily to undertake such business," he answered, almost
+petulantly. "The drudgery and confinement would crush her; and then
+if such an arrangement be proposed, her mother would insist that we
+should break up housekeeping, and take rooms at some of the fashionable
+hotels. No, that wont do at all."</p>
+
+<p>He rose and walked back and forth across the room, his brow knit with
+anxiety. At length he said,—</p>
+
+<p>"It isn't this one bill that worries me. I can pay this easily enough,
+but it's the idea of living at such a rate of extravagance. I wish you
+had come to us at first, Aunt Mercy, before these wasteful creatures
+were established."</p>
+
+<p>A low, timid knock interrupted them, and Lady-bird appeared looking as
+sweet and happy as though no cares ever intruded themselves into her
+mind.</p>
+
+<p>"I heard your voice in here," she said, smiling upon her husband. "Are
+you getting up a conspiracy against me that you look so sober?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, darling, a conspiracy to make you more happy," he answered, for
+the time throwing all his care to the winds.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>The next day, Mrs. Lovell noticed that when Lily came to dinner, her
+eyes were red with weeping. It was so unusual a circumstance to have
+even a cloud shadowing her beaming face that she would have spoken
+instinctively of it, had she not met a warning glance from her nephew.
+A ride was planned for the afternoon, and Lawrence devoted himself to
+her comfort, as he told her, for the rest of the day.</p>
+
+<p>As he was passing his aunt's room while Lady-bird was preparing for the
+drive, he looked in and said, hurriedly,—</p>
+
+<p>"No more interference with the servants; let them go on as they please.
+I will explain when I can."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tisn't right, Lawrence!" She spoke decidedly.</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" he said. "Lily will hear you. It's only a matter of dollars and
+cents, which is nothing in comparison with her comfort."</p>
+
+<p>Before she could say more, he had shut the door softly, and was gone.
+It was not till evening that she saw him again. They had gone to her
+father's to tea, and returned with some friends, who were to pass the
+night with them. When the company were talking gayly in the parlor, he
+slipped away and knocked on his aunt's door.</p>
+
+<p>"I came," he began "to explain what I said this morning. Instead of
+meeting me with smiles at the door, as Lily generally does, Ann came
+and informed me that her mistress wished to see me in her chamber. I
+found her weeping bitterly. Failing to get rid of your interference, I
+have no doubt it was a plan of the three to appeal to her.</p>
+
+<p>"First, cook rushed to her room, and gave notice of an intention to
+quit, professing that she 'could live to the end of her days with so
+swate a mistress as herself, but she couldn't stand interference, and
+niver could.'</p>
+
+<p>"Then Ann made a pretext of carrying an armful of dresses to the room,
+and echoed the same story. She was willing to do her best, and thought
+nothing too much trouble when she could plaze so kind a mistress, but
+everything was different from what it was when she was hired. She made
+a great favor of consenting to stay till her lady was supplied.</p>
+
+<p>"Lily had scarcely recovered her breath before there came a request
+for Mrs. Everett to step to the hall, and spake to poor Tom, who was
+suffering because he was going away,—back to Mr. Percival's. 'Sure
+my auld mistress never said a word about my being under any one but
+yourself, ma'am; and though I'm a poor bye, I values my character too
+much to stay where I'm not wanted.'</p>
+
+<p>"Ann came back and found her crying, and told a doleful tale of your
+suspicious looks, etc., ending with,—</p>
+
+<p>"'Feth, ma'am, it's enough to make honest folks rogues to be watching
+'em in that fashion, and so I can't risk myself nohow; for I couldn't
+tell what I'd become with the likes of Miss Lovell put over my head.'</p>
+
+<p>"My poor Lady-bird was terribly grieved by all this, and began to think
+trouble had come upon her in earnest, but I made light of it. I told
+her you were a thoroughly good housekeeper, and that I had requested
+you to look a little after kitchen affairs during your visit, but that
+it was an awkward job for you, and you'd be glad to be relieved of it.
+Still she looked very sober, and presently it all came out.</p>
+
+<p>"'Are you sure,' she said, shyly, 'that you are not sorry you took such
+a useless little girl to be your wife? I'm afraid I'm very, 'very'
+ignorant about housekeeping. I know Aunt Mercy thinks so, though she is
+so kind, and I love her so dearly.'</p>
+
+<p>"'You can learn,' I said, encouragingly. 'In time you will become used
+to care. You are very young yet.'</p>
+
+<p>"'But,' she said, with fresh tears, 'it does seem dreadful to have to
+think about servants from morning to night, and to keep the closets
+locked up, as Aunt Mercy says I ought, and give out the sugar and eggs;
+besides, I never could learn how many were needed for all the puddings
+and cake that cook makes so nicely. Oh, Lawrence, you can't tell how
+much I dread to do it!'</p>
+
+<p>"What could I say but that I would arrange it with cook and the rest
+to stay? I sent for them to the dining-room, and gave each of them a
+five-dollar bill, charging them to let me hear no more of their going
+to their mistress with stories of leaving. I saw they thought they had
+triumphed, and I hated myself for giving them the occasion, but there
+was no other way."</p>
+
+<p>"You will live to regret it, Lawrence. Lily cannot be happy while
+neglecting positive duties. How long do you imagine either the cook or
+Ann will remain content to be servants when they can be mistresses? You
+have only begun to see the trouble they will give your wife, setting
+aside all their waste and extravagance."</p>
+
+<p>"I know, I know," he answered, reddening, "but it can't be helped now."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall start for home to-morrow," she added, after a moment's pause.
+"You will need me more by and by."</p>
+
+<p>There was a most affectionate parting between Aunt Mercy and her
+niece. Lily kissed her repeatedly, and begged her to come again, not a
+suspicion entering her mind that the old lady's visit had been abruptly
+terminated in consequence of what had occurred; while Mrs. Lovell in
+her turn thanked her young hostess for the pains taken to make her stay
+agreeable, and reminded her that there was always a home for them in
+her house.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_5">CHAPTER V.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>FARM VERSUS RUM.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>LET me introduce you, dear reader, to a tall, stalwart man just opening
+the gate leading through a potato-patch to an humble cottage. This
+is his home, and through the open windows he hears the hum of merry
+voices. There is a smile on his face, and yet not a glad smile. It
+might have said,—</p>
+
+<p>"They seem happy notwithstanding our misfortunes."</p>
+
+<p>It is a most kind provision of Providence that the young are blessed
+with buoyant spirits. Troubles come, and are keenly felt, but the cloud
+soon passes away, and all is bright again.</p>
+
+<p>It was particularly fortunate for Mr. Allen that his children,
+who were neither few nor far between, were possessed of cheerful,
+happy dispositions; else on this bright morning, instead of hearing
+half-suppressed bursts of laughter and joyous exclamations, he might
+have listened to the notes of sorrow. He entered the open door, and
+looked within. Even he was surprised at the busy scene.</p>
+
+<p>The room was the largest in the house, used in winter both for
+a kitchen and sitting-room. At this moment it was littered with
+split-cane, bundles of which lay in one corner, and from which Lizzie,
+the oldest girl, had just taken a quantity, which she was slowly
+weaving into a chair for the benefit of the eager lookers-on. John,
+Mary, Bell, Carrie, and ever so many more, of all ages, from fifteen
+downward, were pressing as near as possible to the frame, while the
+baby, springing in its mother's arms, was trying to catch the end of
+one of the canes as it was alternately woven over and under the others.</p>
+
+<p>But I cannot expect my reader to understand why the heart of Mr. Allen
+was filled with remorse and sorrow, instead of pleasure, as he silently
+gazed on the noisy group, or why the pale, careworn face of his wife
+smote him with a sharp pang of regret.</p>
+
+<p>Mary Walbridge, own cousin to Lawrence Everett, was the fairest of all
+the maidens in the village of N—. She had scores of admirers; indeed,
+there was scarcely a young man, either in her own or the neighboring
+towns, but would have thought the gift of Mary's hand the richest boon
+he could ask. But, though the young girl was kind to all, her smiles
+were given alone to Joseph Allen, son of their nearest neighbor; and
+her parents approved her choice.</p>
+
+<p>Joseph was an only son, the heir to his father's broad acres, extending
+full two miles on the banks of the beautiful C— River. He was a merry
+youth, always welcomed by young and old, prepossessing in appearance,
+moral and upright in character. Beside all this, he loved Mary with all
+the strength of his manly heart. He could not remember the time when he
+did not love her; and so they stood together before the white-haired
+clergyman who had married their parents, and had known them from their
+infancy, and gladly took the solemn vows which made them one.</p>
+
+<p>Only two years did the young wife minister to the parents of her
+husband,—for she went at once to live at the farm. At the end of that
+period, Mr. Allen died; and as his wife soon followed him to his quiet
+resting-place beneath the willows, Joseph became possessor of the whole
+property.</p>
+
+<p>Mary's prospects of happiness were now very fair. Her little daughter
+Lizzie, named for her husband's mother, was the picture of childish
+beauty, and she had but to name a wish in order to have it gratified.</p>
+
+<p>Joseph, or Mr. Allen, as he was now called, had always attended school
+in the winter until two years before his marriage. He had quite a gift
+at speaking, which he was very fond of improving, and often astonished
+the old settlers by an earnest appeal at the town-meeting for money to
+be granted for a new and improved school-house.</p>
+
+<p>When Mary had been married five years, she had four children. She had
+grown quite matronly in form; there was a richer bloom on her cheeks,
+and a deeper, holier light in her eye than on her wedding-day.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Allen was considered one of the most rising men of the town. He
+already had been chosen a member of the school committee, and had the
+pleasure of giving the land for the new and commodious building where
+his little Lizzie commenced her education. But, alas, all these bright
+prospects were to pass away! The glorious morning was to be shaded with
+clouds, and would rise to a tempest long before the sun reached the
+zenith.</p>
+
+<p>Having abundant means, Mr. Allen did not feel it incumbent on him
+to labor,—at least, not as his father had done. He hired men, and
+bought patented machines with which to work his farm. His own time,
+he thought, could be more profitably spent for the good of the town.
+Committee meetings, caucuses, and State conventions, roused his
+abilities, and kept his mind at work. He was thoroughly alive at such
+times, and liked the excitement. As his family rapidly increased,
+instead of sharing the care and responsibility with his wife, he grew
+more and more ambitious of town offices,—more and more fond of meeting
+his neighbors at public dinners.</p>
+
+<p>It was a long, long time before poor Mary would own to herself that
+her beloved husband had begun to crave the drink which intoxicates,
+but at last, the evidence became too conclusive. Once, in the depths
+of winter, he came home at midnight too much lost to reason to know
+that he was not sleeping in his bed. His wife, who for hours had been
+listening to every sound, heard the sleigh-bells as the horse turned
+into the barnyard.</p>
+
+<p>After waiting nearly an hour for him to come in, she aroused her oldest
+boy, and they went together to the barn, their hearts throbbing with an
+unknown dread.</p>
+
+<p>The faithful horse had returned to his home, and gone directly into the
+open door, where he was patiently awaiting attention, while his master
+lay in the bottom of the sleigh in the deep slumber of the drunkard.</p>
+
+<p>The united efforts of mother and son could not rouse him, or drag him
+farther than the floor of the barn, where they made a bed of hay for
+him, and having led the more sensible beast to his stall, retired to
+weep over this new and dreadful affliction.</p>
+
+<p>From this hour, Mr. Allen's path was downward, till, when Lizzie was
+fifteen years old, they were turned out of their loved home by the
+man whose rum had been exchanged for it, and removed to the small
+cottage in which we find them with barely furniture enough to render it
+habitable.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lovell witnessed the gradual downfall of the husband of her niece
+with deep solicitude. Many and many a time, the pecuniary assistance
+she gave was all that kept them from actual suffering. A little
+time before their removal, the poor inebriate had a short return of
+consciousness. He really desired to reform, and, with many sighs,
+promised Mary, if Aunt Mercy could be induced to buy the mortgages held
+by the rumseller, and give him a chance to earn them back, he would
+sign the pledge of total abstinence.</p>
+
+<p>But the old lady had no faith in his perseverance. She encouraged him
+to show his penitence for the past by giving up, at once and forever,
+that which led to his ruin. She reminded him that his intemperate
+habits more than his years had made an old man of him; that he had a
+large family dependent on him for support,—children that might grow up
+an honor to society, but whom his evil example might corrupt; and she
+urged him to stop the leak in his fortune by vigorous efforts to reform.</p>
+
+<p>At this time, too, Lizzie, his favorite child, persuaded him to
+accompany her to a lecture on temperance. He listened to accounts of
+those who had been sunk in degradation far below him, but who had
+broken the bonds of their evil habits, and come forth from the gutter
+restored to their manhood. He resolved to add one to their number. His
+daughter watched him, while tears unconsciously stole down her cheeks.
+At the close of the lecture, he arose in response to the speaker's
+invitation, and walked slowly up the aisle, while Lizzie bowed her head
+on her hands and wept tears of joy.</p>
+
+<p>When Mr. Allen left his home, therefore, he did it with the full
+consciousness of all he had lost,—that he had sinfully wasted the
+patrimony bequeathed him by his parents; had deprived his wife of the
+comforts he had taught her to expect, and his children of the means to
+acquire an education.</p>
+
+<p>When Aunt Mercy saw that the reformation was lasting,—that her nephew
+acted like a sober, penitent man, she offered to assist them to stop
+the leak he had made in their fortune. It was by her advice they moved
+to the town of G—, where work for himself and the children could be
+obtained. She herself placed Lizzie where she could learn the art of
+seating chairs, and then supplied money to purchase a quantity of
+the material. This would furnish employment for the girls and the
+second boy. For John, the eldest, named for her husband, she had other
+plans. She wished, however, to ascertain more of his capabilities for
+business, and it was for that purpose, on her return from the city,
+that she rode twenty miles out of her way to visit her niece in her new
+home.</p>
+
+<p>The change from the princely mansion of Lawrence to the lowly cottage
+of his cousin was as great as could well be imagined, but Aunt Mercy
+enjoyed herself quite as well in the hut as in the palace. To be sure,
+it sounded strangely, while sitting in that uncarpeted room, the filthy
+walls of which the new inmates had felt most happy to be able to cover
+with sixpenny paper, to talk of the style and splendor of Lawrence's
+appointments, of Lily's luxurious chamber and costly dress, and feel
+that the near relation of cousins united them.</p>
+
+<p>The children's fingers flew rapidly over their allotted tasks as, hour
+after hour, the old lady described the sweet Lady-bird her nephew had
+won for his own, or told of the terrible leak in their housekeeping.</p>
+
+<p>"I'm just as sure how it will end," she exclaimed one day, laying aside
+the garment she was patching for her niece, "as I was when Joseph
+began to stay out late to those public meetings and caucuses, etc.!
+'Twouldn't take a prophet to see it either. The difference between his
+case and yours is, the money's running out of his leak, while you've
+all undertaken to stop yours."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Allen had been so fortunate as to obtain regular employment in a
+nursery near his home. But still, with all their economy, Mrs. Allen
+could see it would be difficult to provide food and clothing for so
+many little ones. She had been so accustomed to have milk, butter,
+eggs, and cheese from the farm, besides vegetables, grain, and pork,
+that she scarcely knew how to cook, when every one of these must be
+bought with scanty means at the grocer's. There were five girls and
+four boys, beside herself and her husband, to provide with clothing.
+The house, poor as it was, with the little strip of land by the side
+of it, rented for eighty dollars; and then fuel and lights were to be
+bought for the approaching winter.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lovell was scarcely surprised that Mr. Allen should often be
+plunged in despondence. He went regularly to work, struggling day after
+day against the craving of appetite for drink, but seldom smiled. The
+sad contrast between the present and the past rose continually before
+his mind, while conscience, with a voice like thunder, seemed ever
+echoing in his ears,—</p>
+
+<p>"This is your work!"</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_6">CHAPTER VI.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>A RAY OF SUNSHINE.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>AS I have before said, Mr. Allen was naturally mirthful; and the change
+in his temperament would have cast a gloom over all the family, had it
+not been for Lizzie, whose merry face and sunny smiles chased away many
+an hour of despondence.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Mercy was a shrewd observer of character. As she had before talked
+in the plainest terms to her nephew of the sin of pursuing a course
+which was not only ruining his own soul, but the peace of his family,
+so, now that she saw he was striving to amend, in her own frank way
+she strove to encourage him. Entirely ignoring his silence on all such
+occasions, she persevered in consulting him regarding the children.
+Lizzie, she said, as soon as times were a little more prosperous with
+them, must be sent to a Normal school, and prepared for a teacher.</p>
+
+<p>"There is a vacancy now," she added, hopefully, "in our district. I
+wish she were ready, for she would be good company for me."</p>
+
+<p>Joseph would not glance toward the bright eyes he was sure were asking
+his consent, but answered, in a hard tone,—</p>
+
+<p>"Wife couldn't spare Lizzie; and money wouldn't tempt me to let her go
+back to N—, where she would be pointed at as the drunkard's daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"That would not be true now, husband," murmured his wife, softly laying
+her hand on his shoulder.</p>
+
+<p>"I have a plan for John too," the old lady went on, "but it is a secret
+as yet. There is no need of haste; he must get a better education
+first."</p>
+
+<p>"Bread and butter is the first object with us," was the bitter retort.
+"You forget that we are poor."</p>
+
+<p>"I know as well as you do that your money has all run away," she
+answered, smiling, "but I know, also, that you are all taking hold in
+earnest to stop the leak. And, as I have a little money lying idle
+in the bank, I suppose there is no one to forbid me the pleasure of
+helping those who are trying to help themselves."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Allen's chin quivered. "Wife and Lizzie will thank you," he said,
+in a subdued tone, "but my feeling is all gone."</p>
+
+<p>"Not quite, father!" exclaimed Bell, throwing her arms around his neck.
+"For I heard you telling Mr. Grey last night that you would bear your
+own lot without a murmur, if your family need not suffer, and the tears
+glistened in your eyes."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lovell often noticed that Mary, when her husband entered the
+room, glanced shyly at him, to see whether the boisterous mirth of the
+children was likely to annoy him. They kept steadily at their task of
+seating chairs until near the hour in which he returned from his work,
+when they bounded out of doors, chasing each other all over their small
+enclosure, and making the air ring with their laughter.</p>
+
+<p>She well remembered the time when, in the earlier years of their
+married life, Lizzie, John, and Bell used to run down the road as soon
+as they heard their father's carriage-wheels, when he good-naturedly
+stopped the horse and took them all in. Now for many years he had been
+so fretful and capricious under the influence of liquor that they had
+avoided him as much as possible, quietly stealing from the room when
+he was in it, so that Jamie and Fred., the younger boys, were almost
+strangers to him.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Mercy took occasion one day to call up the old reminiscences,
+and afterwards told her niece that she was quite sure it would please
+Joseph to be welcomed by the children as of old.</p>
+
+<p>Lizzie, who was old enough and wise enough to be taken into the family
+counsels, entered into this proposal with her usual enthusiasm. Jamie,
+Fred., and even Baby Nelly, after this, each had his or her lesson, and
+the next afternoon, when the unsuspicious father came walking gloomily
+down the road, they all set out to meet him.</p>
+
+<p>"See, pa!" cried Fred., reaching up, and pulling his father's coat
+to attract attention. "See what I've got for you!" And he held out a
+prettily-arranged bunch of wild wood flowers.</p>
+
+<p>"Nelly, too!" lisped the baby, reaching her arms out toward him.</p>
+
+<p>Jamie presented his offering with a quiet smile. He was the image of
+his mother in her happier days, and his upturned face reminded the
+husband so forcibly of her that, when he tried to speak, the words
+choked him.</p>
+
+<p>"What does it mean?" he asked, presently, turning to Lizzie, whose
+kindling eye expressed volumes.</p>
+
+<p>"Only that we have been telling the little ones how we used to run out
+and meet you, and they want to welcome you too."</p>
+
+<p>He leaned forward and kissed her, saying, softly,—</p>
+
+<p>"If I ever do become a good man, Lizzie, you will be the means of it."</p>
+
+<p>"That is because I pray 'for Christ's sake,'" she answered, in the same
+tone.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Allen was greatly delighted to see her husband come across the
+potato-patch with baby sitting on his shoulder. She stood in the
+doorway, with a smiling countenance, to receive him, Aunt Mercy and
+John pressing up behind her.</p>
+
+<p>The meal which followed was the most cheerful one they had enjoyed
+since they came to G—, Mr. Allen exerting himself to talk, and telling
+them more about his business than they had ever known before.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image005" style="max-width: 25.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image005.jpg" alt="image005"></figure>
+<p class="t4">
+<b>BRIGHTER DAYS.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>The next morning at breakfast, Aunt Mercy said, "I wish you had a barn,
+Joseph; for I think I could find you a cow. The little ones would grow
+fatter if they had plenty of milk."</p>
+
+<p>"I like milk!" exclaimed Jamie, warmly.</p>
+
+<p>"And we could make our own butter," said the practical John.</p>
+
+<p>"I know Mr. Burrel, where I work, would be glad to let us pasture a
+cow with his, if one of the boys would drive both of them," added the
+father, "but we have no barn; so it is of no use to talk about it."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll build one with the first money I earn teaching school!" exclaimed
+Lizzie, laughing, and there the subject was dropped.</p>
+
+<p>But Mr. Allen thought of it again, as he walked back to his work. He
+thought, also, of a remark he had that very morning overheard his
+employer make to a neighbor in regard to himself, and this was,—</p>
+
+<p>"He's the most faithful, energetic man I ever knew. If he only had more
+enthusiasm in his nature, I'd advance him at once to be head gardener;
+for I see he's well informed."</p>
+
+<p>The neighbor answered, "He owned a fine piece of property once, I've
+heard, but was unfortunate, and lost everything."</p>
+
+<p>For the first time, a feeling that there might be hope for him in the
+future quickened his steps, and almost brought a smile to his lips.</p>
+
+<p>"If I could get that situation," he soliloquized, "I should have the
+pretty cottage on the grounds, and Mary could have the cow at once.
+A dozen quarts of milk in a day does make a vast difference in the
+expense of living."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lovell lengthened her visit from week to week, because she saw
+she could be a help to her niece. A few dollars well expended made
+a sensible improvement in the comfort of the family, and a few more
+bought cloth, which Aunt Mercy's own hands made into garments greatly
+needed.</p>
+
+<p>Then the thoughtful old lady had begged a number of articles from
+Lawrence, which she had foreseen would help replenish the wardrobe of
+Mr. Allen against the coming winter, and enable him to accompany his
+wife to church; for it was her earnest desire that the whole family
+should be under the influence of faithful religious teaching. But at
+last, the alterations necessary in these were completed, and Mrs.
+Allen could find no excuse for urging her aunt to prolong her visit.
+Mrs. Lovell's trunk was packed, and she only waited for a letter she
+expected that morning from Lawrence before she started for home.</p>
+
+<p>At last Jamie, the news-carrier, as he called himself, came in sight,
+holding up an envelope, and shouting,—</p>
+
+<p>"It's for you, Aunt Mercy; the letters are always for you!"</p>
+
+<p>Though the old lady did not read it to the eager lookers-on, but
+mysteriously folded and placed it in her pocket, we will take the
+liberty to peruse it.</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"DEAR AUNT,—If the boy is what you describe, I will give him a start,
+as you call it, but he must be very honest, active, and go-ahead,
+in order to succeed here, where there are so many competitors for
+fortune. He ought to be well grounded in arithmetic, and have a general
+idea of bookkeeping, though he may never advance beyond a runner, or
+errand-boy. I think well of your keeping him with you for the winter.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"As to our own affairs, I suspect I made a mistake when I gave the
+reins so completely into the hands of our kitchen functionaries. To
+speak within bounds, they are four times as extravagant as when you
+left. Indeed, the way they manage to treat their own guests, and cheat
+ours of everything that is eatable, would furnish abundant material
+for a modern novel-writer to publish a book entitled 'High Life below
+Stairs.' Where all this tends, I am beginning seriously to inquire.
+In the mean time, Lady-bird is just as sweet and beguiling as ever,
+singing and smiling in the most delightful unconsciousness that
+everything is not proceeding in the most approved manner. It is barely
+possible that I may be obliged to go to France for a month or two in
+the winter. If I do,—but I will write you further at another time.<br>
+<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 16em;">"Yours most gratefully,</span><br>
+<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 19.5em;">"LAWRENCE EVERETT."</span><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_7">CHAPTER VII.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>POLICE AND CRIMINALS.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"OH, Lawrence, what do you think has happened?" exclaimed Lily, one day
+in early autumn, running to the door, as she heard his familiar ring.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps I can guess," he answered, with a sad smile.</p>
+
+<p>"Did papa tell you? I have been waiting so impatiently to ask you about
+it! To think of mamma being willing to start off in such a hurry, and
+then to sell the house and furniture! She thinks we had better take the
+carriage and servants, since ours are beginning to be troublesome, but
+it is all so strange and sudden, it quite takes away my breath."</p>
+
+<p>He took her hand and led her to the sofa. Then, carefully closing the
+doors, he seated himself beside her, and said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Don't excite yourself, Lily, and I will tell you why it is necessary
+that either he or I should go. I would have told you before, only that
+I hoped the news by yesterday's steamer would have been such that all
+danger to our firm would be averted. Your father, you know, has had
+dealings with a large house in Paris for many years. We sold goods
+for them on commission, and a very profitable business it has been
+for both. Last month we heard that they were greatly embarrassed, but
+hoped, in a few weeks, to be relieved by the payment of large sums due
+them from India. Yesterday the news was so far from encouraging that
+it becomes necessary for one of the partners to be in Paris at once to
+prevent immense loss."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Everett spoke calmly, but with deep seriousness, and Lily, who was
+closely watching him, said,—</p>
+
+<p>"And was it this which prevented you from sleeping last night, and made
+you look so very sober?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, darling, I cannot deny it. I fear a great crisis is before us."</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you go yourself then? Papa says he confides greatly in your
+judgment."</p>
+
+<p>"He proposed it, but he is better acquainted with the business there
+than I am; and then I could not leave you, Lily. I might be detained
+six months or a year. We talked it over last night, but it was not
+fully decided till this morning."</p>
+
+<p>"But why does papa sell his house? He can never get another that he
+will like so well, and the beautiful furniture that mamma has taken so
+much pains to select."</p>
+
+<p>He drew her closer to him, as he said, "Because it is certain that our
+loss will be great, though we hope to save something from the wreck. It
+is a terrible misfortune that has come upon us, darling. I look to you
+to help me bear it patiently."</p>
+
+<p>Oh, what a beaming smile she gave him! But he sighed deeply, as he said
+to himself,—</p>
+
+<p>"Poor child, she little knows the trials before her!"</p>
+
+<p>"If all happens in Paris that you fear, shall we be very poor?" she
+asked, innocently.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Lily; we shall have to leave this beautiful home. I can no longer
+surround you with luxuries, or buy you freedom from care. I shall have
+to begin life anew, and how will you endure the change?"</p>
+
+<p>He leaned his head on her shoulder, that brave Christian man, and sighs
+that not all his trouble had caused, now made his breast heave as he
+thought of her.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment, the news was overpowering. Lily had, from her birth, been
+surrounded by every elegance that wealth could create. She could not
+quite realize what all this change would be. But she was a true wife,
+and the first thought, after the stunning blow, was pleasure that she
+had it in her power to comfort her husband. She looked in his face with
+a smile, though her lips were tremulous and her eyes dewy, and said,
+softly,—</p>
+
+<p>"But you will have your Lady-bird still, and I can learn to work and
+help you."</p>
+
+<p>Oh, how he pressed her to his heart, and told her she was worth more
+to him than a thousand fortunes! How he thanked her for bearing it so
+nobly!</p>
+
+<p>"You have stolen away my burden," he said again and again. "My greatest
+fear was for you."</p>
+
+<p>They talked a long time, unmindful of the repeated summons to dinner,
+and then Lily, who had been trying to comprehend the detail of
+business, whispered,—</p>
+
+<p>"I read yesterday how the disciples, when they sorrowed, went and told
+Jesus. I thought it so beautiful! Wouldn't he hear us if we told him
+now, and asked him to help us do right?"</p>
+
+<p>They knelt together side by side, while the husband poured their
+sorrows into the ear of a sympathizing Saviour. Then they arose and
+were comforted.</p>
+
+<p>"Can you spare time to go round through the square with me?" inquired
+Lily, as they arose from the mere form of eating. "I must be with mamma
+all I can before she goes."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Lily, but before that, I propose Aunt Mercy should come back and
+help you get rid of the servants. She is a great manager. If I had
+taken her advice, I should have been some richer than I am now."</p>
+
+<p>"I will write a note asking her."</p>
+
+<p>He nodded assent, and brought her portfolio from the library, waiting
+with some curiosity to see what she would say. The note began:—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You will wonder, Aunt Mercy, when you read this. Lawrence and I are
+no longer rich. We are quite poor. We are to leave this house, but
+it is not decided where we shall live. Mamma goes with papa to Paris
+immediately, to try to save some of the money there. Will you come
+and help me learn to be economical? I cannot be grateful enough that
+Lawrence has told me all about it, and lets me comfort him. I feel very
+happy, but Lawrence says it is because I don't realize what is before
+me. We shall see who is right. Please come as quickly as you can. Your
+loving niece,<br>
+<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;">"LILY."</span><br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>In twenty-four hours after receiving the above, the old lady landed at
+her nephew's door. She was received with open arms by Lady-bird, who,
+excepting that she was pale from a headache the previous day, looked
+bright and cheerful as a May morning.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Lawrence came in with a clouded brow, and, after saluting his
+aunt with a kiss, exclaimed,—</p>
+
+<p>"There is some rascality in this! Here is another bill from the
+grocer's. We have never consumed this amount! Aunt Mercy, I wish you
+had shipped the whole pack when you were here before."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't imagine Tom was overjoyed to see me," she said, quietly. "He
+scowled when he opened the door."</p>
+
+<p>"We must get rid of them all at once, but take off your bonnet, and we
+will talk about our arrangements. Mr. and Mrs. Percival sail to-morrow,
+leaving me to dispose of their house, furniture, horses and carriages,
+to the best advantage the times will allow. I suppose the whole may
+bring thirty thousand dollars,—perhaps a third or quarter of what they
+cost; and that is every cent they will have to live upon, unless our
+affairs in France terminate more favorably than we dare to expect."</p>
+
+<p>"It's a pity they didn't lay by something against a time of need like
+the present," remarked the old lady, with her usual frankness.</p>
+
+<p>"Papa was very rich, and he had no idea that French house would fail,"
+urged Lily, earnestly.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a very common thing, child, for riches to take to themselves
+wings and fly away. But, Lawrence, I hope, when you were in the
+floodtide of success, you settled something on your wife."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Everett colored. "No," he answered; "we talked it over, Mr.
+Percival and I. He said Lily would be the heir to all they were worth;
+and he thought I had better put my money into the business, where it
+would yield a large profit. I'm sorry now I didn't do it."</p>
+
+<p>"If you had merely put by what your servants have wasted or dishonestly
+got rid of, you could have taken out a life-annuity that would have
+kept her from want. But experience must be bought, and now you've
+earned it; so we'll leave the past, and talk of the future. Have you
+intimated to the servants that they must leave?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, but I think they have a suspicion of it."</p>
+
+<p>While they had been talking, Aunt Mercy noticed two or three times a
+slight noise near the door; and now, without giving any notice of her
+intention to do so, suddenly threw it open, when Tom, who was leaning
+against it, fell sprawling into the room.</p>
+
+<p>Darting a cautionary glance toward her nephew, she exclaimed to the
+discomfited fellow,—</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Tom you're just the one I want! I wish you'd take my trunk
+up-stairs; or, wait a minute till I've been up myself."</p>
+
+<p>"I was just going to ask you if I shouldn't carry it there," muttered
+Tom, in so grieved a tone that Lily, though trying to control herself,
+nearly laughed aloud.</p>
+
+<p>As the old lady came through the hall on her entrance, she remembered
+to have seen Ann hurrying up the stairs with a conscious-blush
+crimsoning her cheeks. Accustomed to watch every expression, she saw
+that something unusual was going on, and, calling Lily one side, she
+asked,—</p>
+
+<p>"Have you examined your jewel-box lately?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, but Ann says one of my pearl earrings is missing. I was going to
+give her the other, as one was useless, but I remembered it was a gift
+from a schoolmate."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you any idea how many handkerchiefs, laces, or collars you have?
+I mean could you tell if any were missing?"</p>
+
+<p>Lily arched her eyebrows. She could not imagine to what these questions
+were tending.</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know," she answered, hesitating, "but Ann can tell."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps so. We will ask her presently. Now I want you to stay in the
+parlor, where you can keep watch of Tom while I speak with Lawrence.
+Don't let him out of your sight a minute; talk to him if he leaves the
+hall. I wont be long."</p>
+
+<p>Calling her nephew into the back-parlor, she said, calmly,—</p>
+
+<p>"The servants have found out that they will be dismissed, and are
+preparing to go. Did you see how guilty Tom looked when discovered
+listening? Ann, I have no doubt, is up-stairs selecting for her own use
+articles from her mistress' wardrobe and jewel-box; and I dare say cook
+is equally export in her department."</p>
+
+<p>Lawrence started angrily toward the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop!" said Aunt Mercy, authoritatively. "What are you going to do? If
+you go out and charge it upon them, you have no proof; and they will
+escape you. Now hear my plan. I was sure it would come to this, and am
+only glad I am here now. Send Tom across the street for your friend Mr.
+Dix. I saw him go in with his night-key when I came. Watch the fellow
+closely that he goes nowhere else. Ask Mr. Dix to send for a couple of
+police-officers. You will need two. In the mean time, keep Tom employed
+under your eye without exciting his suspicion if you can, and take
+yourself the key to the door. I will go below and see that no one goes
+out there or comes in till the officers arrive. I have proof enough of
+their purloining to have their trunks examined."</p>
+
+<p>"I see, I see!" he said. "But poor Lily! I'm afraid the excitement will
+be too much for her."</p>
+
+<p>"Lily is not such a baby as you think her."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_8">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>DETECTION AND ARREST.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>THEY parted, Mrs. Lovell with rather more caution than usual descending
+the stairs to the basement, while her nephew returned carelessly to the
+parlor. The kitchen was vacant, but a sound of voices in angry dispute
+came from the pantry beyond. She advanced softly behind the door, where
+she could distinctly hear all that passed.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll take my oath I gave you three forks and two spoons the last time
+you came. I remember I hid them in with the butter, and you said you'd
+have to lump it over."</p>
+
+<p>"I lost them then. I never saw them."</p>
+
+<p>"I guess 'twouldn't take me long to find them!" was the angry retort.
+"If you don't pay up handsome, as you promised, I'll confiss, and have
+you put in jail."</p>
+
+<p>"You daren't do it; you're too deep in for that."</p>
+
+<p>The old lady peered through the crack behind the door, trying to get a
+view of the speaker, but she could not, as he was standing outside the
+window in the side passage.</p>
+
+<p>"I will, I will! You've had more of the profits than we have. Tom and
+I both agreed upon that. Feth, a good business you've made of it these
+six months."</p>
+
+<p>"Not more than you have. It's for our interest to keep friendly," said
+the man, in a soothing tone. "Have you got anything for me to-day? If
+it's my mistake about the spoons, I'll make it up, of course. Where's
+Ann's bundle?"</p>
+
+<p>"It's like a man of sinse, ye're talking now. Ann is packing some
+finery of my lady's; and sure she's long about it. Give me the basket,
+and I'll fill it while yer waiting. We must make the most of it; for
+Tom says they're breaking up intirely, and we'll have to quit. Feth,
+and I'm not sorry either; we couldn't go on much longer without those
+detective gintlemen paying us a visit. I know 'em."</p>
+
+<p>Cook now occupied herself with packing into the basket sundry articles
+such as she had prepared for the occasion. Rich frosted cake was taken
+from the drawer,—the woman's dress almost touching Aunt Mercy's as she
+passed in and out of the pantry,—sugar, tea, coffee, napkins, towels,
+two shirts of Mr. Everett's hanging on a clothes-frame; a large platter
+of butter was brought forward. But the basket was already so full the
+man promised to come again at night for it; and cook, laughing, said,
+"I'll find something more against that time."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Lovell in her retreat now began to be anxious for the arrival of
+the police. She had seen through the front window Mr. Dix run up the
+steps, and go away again, walking off at a rapid pace; and she knew
+that they might be momentarily expected. Up-stairs, all was perfectly
+quiet; and she hoped it would remain so for the present; for in case
+Ann made her appearance in the kitchen, she would be discovered. Cook
+would give the alarm, and the man outside take his flight.</p>
+
+<p>In the pantry she heard the sound of silver coin; and presently cook,
+in some indignation, exclaimed,—</p>
+
+<p>"It's too little. Why, the shirts alone is worth all this!"</p>
+
+<p>"But just think of my risk," he remonstrated.</p>
+
+<p>"Give 'em back then! I wont be risking my soul to save ye for such a
+trifle. Feth, it wouldn't pay the praist for confissing me. Give 'em
+back! I'd no idea of yer maneness. It's absolute chating, it is."</p>
+
+<p>To expedite his departure, the man had left the gate through which he
+entered ajar. He saw an officer walking slowly past, gazing up toward
+the house, and, much to the surprise of cook, with one bound, sprang
+through the window, basket and all. Greatly to Mrs. Lovell's relief,
+at this moment she saw a man in the dress of a police officer, walk
+deliberately up the front-stops, his companion stationing himself
+outside the gate.</p>
+
+<p>"Howly Mary, help me!" shrieked the guilty cook, as she caught a
+glimpse of Aunt Mercy, who was hastily crossing the kitchen to
+report to her nephew, and have the man arrested. "Wait till ye hear
+me confiss. It's the rogue of a Tom who stole these things and was
+disposing of 'em to this rascal. I'll confiss everything, and bless you
+as long as I live."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have a chance to confess," answered Mrs. Lovell, "but it
+must be in the presence of Mr. Everett and the officers above stairs."</p>
+
+<p>A perfect howl of rage came from the man in the pantry, while cook
+began to cry aloud,—</p>
+
+<p>"It's all your doings tempting me, when I had a dacent character."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Everett was talking earnestly in the hall when his aunt made her
+appearance, pale with excitement, and told him what she had seen. The
+officer nodded complacently. It was plain he liked the job. Walking to
+the door, he sprung his rattle, and presently half a dozen men in blue
+coats and brass buttons obeyed the call. To one of these he committed
+the arrest of the man below, while he told the others to be on hand in
+case any assistance was needed.</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, poor Lily sat trembling on the stairs, wondering what
+Lawrence was doing with the stranger, and why Mr. Dix did not go into
+the parlor instead of standing in the hall.</p>
+
+<p>Making a sign of caution, Aunt Mercy went past her on to the chamber
+already described, where Ann stood with an armful of clothes as usual,
+waiting for the way to be cleared, so that she could convey them to
+the kitchen. Wondering whether it would be best to call Lily and
+examine the jewel-casket, the old lady stood a moment just before Ann,
+who nervously strove to conceal something by covering an embroidered
+wrapper over it.</p>
+
+<p>"What have you there?" she asked, thrown off her guard by catching a
+glimpse of silver.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing but what belongs to me!" was the angry retort.</p>
+
+<p>"Let me see."</p>
+
+<p>She threw back the wrapper and discovered an elaborately-chased
+bouquet-holder, which the artful girl was carrying to her trunk.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Everett gave it to me! It's mine!" she screamed, forgetting for a
+moment that her master was below.</p>
+
+<p>Lily, hearing her name mentioned, came running in. Her cheeks were a
+bright crimson, and her eyes had such a frightened stare that the old
+lady determined at whatever cost to prevent farther excitement.</p>
+
+<p>"You had better go to your room and put away your things," she said to
+Ann, in a tone as calm as if nothing had occurred. "I will get your
+mistress' hat; she is going out for a walk."</p>
+
+<p>The girl gladly left the room, though she wondered not a little at
+being allowed to do so, when Mrs. Lovell urged her niece to go to her
+mother's until the dishonest servants were out of the house.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Everett, for the first time in his life, was pleased to have her
+leave him, as he dreaded the coming scene for her sake. As soon as
+she had gone, he went into the kitchen accompanied by Mr. Dix and an
+officer, and sending for Ann and Tom, told them they had been detected
+in stealing from him, and he should give them up at once to the
+officers. The basket, packed to its utmost capacity, was brought in,
+and Aunt Mercy was witness that the man who was in league with them had
+implicated all the three. Cook shrieked and offered to confess, while
+Ann tried to escape, and would have done so, but for the officer still
+at the gate, who brought her back, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, you are too old for that. I think I've seen you before, my
+lovely jail-bird."</p>
+
+<p>Tom sat sullenly scowling at Aunt Mercy, believing her to be the one
+who had brought this trouble upon them,—the only one in the family, as
+he had often boasted to his companions, who had any sense. Mr. Everett
+then ordered Tom to accompany them to his room while they examined his
+trunk, but this he doggedly refused; nor would he give up the key until
+loudly threatened with handcuffs by the officer.</p>
+
+<p>I need not go into detail. In Tom's trunk, as well as in the cook's,
+were found stolen garments, silver, and other things too numerous to
+mention, while Ann's was a sight to behold. There was nothing too rare
+or costly in her mistress' establishment for her to lay her hands on.
+Wrought pocket-handkerchiefs, fine as a spider's web, laces, ornaments,
+ribbons, underclothes, two flounced dresses, books, etc., etc., etc.,
+were found rolled in her own coarse garments, and carefully hidden
+under her common dresses.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Mercy stood with her hands uplifted in horror, while Ann burst
+into a louder cry at every fresh discovery. At last, she shrieked in a
+rage,—</p>
+
+<p>"It's yerself as is to blame for it all. I was an honest girl till
+I came here, where everything was open to my hand; and even after
+yees knew that yer old aunt suspected us, ye bid us never to spake of
+laving."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you believe it, Mr. Everett," said the officer, shrugging his
+shoulders. "She's been caged before."</p>
+
+<p>But he did believe it, and regretted, then and afterwards, that he had
+sinned in placing temptation in their way. And he resolved, then and
+there, whenever he had servants, to watch over them and labor for their
+good. He was intensely relieved when the house was rid of the wicked
+creatures, and he could have an hour or two before summoned to court
+to appear against the grocer, Nolan, who had carried on so successful
+a business with them. On the trial, it appeared so plain that this
+man had been an accomplice from the beginning that his whole bill was
+forfeited, and Mr. Everett finally recovered from Nolan between three
+and four hundred dollars for provisions, besides table-linen, napkins,
+and silver.</p>
+
+<p>It was not until a late hour that Mr. Everett was at liberty to go for
+Lily, who was with her mother. The articles taken from the servants'
+trunks, and rescued from the clutches of Nolan, lay on the hall table
+and scattered about the back-parlor. Mr. Everett calmly explained what
+had happened to the astonished listener, taking the opportunity to
+explain the duty of master and mistress to their servants, which, he
+said, he was too conscious of having neglected.</p>
+
+<p>"And where are they? What will become of them?" murmured poor Lily,
+with blanched cheeks.</p>
+
+<p>"Safe in jail, my dear, where they await their trial."</p>
+
+<p>She gave a cry of horror, and trembled so excessively that they saw the
+wisdom of having her away during the excitement. Aunt Mercy persuaded
+her to retire at once, which she did, after wondering how they could
+get along without breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>"I'll send to the intelligence office the first thing," said Mr.
+Everett.</p>
+
+<p>"And have the same scene over again," rejoined Aunt Mercy. "No, I'll
+go myself. 'Tisn't the first time I've been in search of servants. I
+flatter myself I can tell an honest girl."</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Lily made her appearance just as her husband was
+pouring a cup of coffee of his aunt's manufacturing to carry to her
+chamber. She was full of wonder at the idea of breakfast being ready.
+And when she tasted the delicious waffles, in which delicacy Mrs.
+Lovell prided herself that she excelled in, declared that nothing had
+ever tasted so good.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_9">CHAPTER IX.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>A PLUG IN THE LEAK.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>THE winter had passed; and the first breath of spring found our
+family at the hut moving to the neat cottage on Mr. Burrel's grounds.
+Finding his new gardener had boasted of skill he did not possess, the
+gentleman, late in the winter, dismissed him, and advanced Allen to the
+place.</p>
+
+<p>They had been in their new home but a short time when it was
+ascertained at the great house that Mrs. Allen was an experienced
+dairywoman; and henceforth the care of making butter and cheese for the
+family was committed to her. Aunt Mercy remembered her promise to find
+a cow, which the new gardener had easily obtained permission to keep in
+his master's barn.</p>
+
+<p>Prosperity now seemed to dawn upon them, and they prized every comfort
+far more than when they had never known what it was to be deprived of
+it.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the light began to dawn in the east, the family were all
+astir. The gardener's duties commenced early, and he wished, before he
+left home, to give Mary all the assistance in his power. For an hour or
+two in the morning, Lizzie, too, was able to help her mother,—skimming
+the cream or preparing breakfast, but she had begun to attend a high
+school in the village, which, as it was more than a mile from her home,
+kept her away through the entire day.</p>
+
+<p>John was absent at an academy, where Aunt Mercy had sent him for one
+quarter, in preparation for his business in his cousin's store. Bell
+and Carrie also attended school near by with Sarah and Ned, though
+they still had their daily tasks at the chairs, at which business they
+had become very skilful; and the proceeds of which helped greatly in
+clothing them. Every dollar which Mr. Allen earned, he gave into the
+hands of his prudent wife, and she knew what to do with them,—setting
+aside for necessary family purposes a part, and laying by a certain sum
+every week toward the accomplishment of a secret object very dear to
+the heart of her husband.</p>
+
+<p>Every month Mr. Allen regained more of his former cheerfulness. He was
+often heard whistling at his work; and came home with a glad smile to
+be welcomed by a whole troop of children, who needed now no prompting
+in order to present their little offerings. On the Sabbath, quite a
+procession from the cottage walked down the wide avenue on their way to
+church. First Mr. Allen, with his wife leaning on his arm, the mother
+leading restless Fred.; then Lizzie, leading another little one; and
+Bell, a third,—all with that cheerful sobriety which proved that to
+them church-going was not only a duty, but a pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>Yes, Mr. Allen had learned the truth of the inspired writer,—"Be not
+high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God who
+giveth us richly all things to enjoy," and had come at last to depend
+on almighty help for guidance in the right path. He was now earnest in
+teaching his children the Scripture, "Let him that thinketh he standeth
+take heed lest he fall," illustrating the doctrine by a reference to
+his own fall; while his wife reminded them how ready God is to hear and
+answer prayer for the conversion of dear friends.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Burrel showed his approval of his gardener's industry and skill
+by constantly adding to their comforts. At one time he visited his
+cottage, and remarked that there was a fine opportunity behind the
+barn for raising chicken's. The very next day Jamie came home with a
+fine pair of fowls, a present from Mrs. Burrel. Later in the season,
+when the farmer was ploughing the garden, his master laid off an acre
+of ground, well fertilized, and told Allen he might plant it with
+vegetables for his family.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the fruit ripened, Bell, Carrie, Jamie, and even little Fred
+were busily employed in picking it for the use of their employers.
+Strawberries, currants, raspberries, blackberries, each in their
+season, together with peas and beans from the garden, were nicely boxed
+and carried to the kitchen of the great house ready for use. Mrs.
+Burrel often remarked that she had never before taken so much comfort
+in her garden. In former years, when fruit was ordered for the table,
+there was often the excuse that the servants were too busy to pick it,
+or that it was not fully ripe.</p>
+
+<p>"And the Allen children are so well brought up," she said, "so
+respectful and attentive when addressed, and so thankful for any
+favors!"</p>
+
+<p>In this way, and by always being ready to oblige, the little ones won
+many friends. The partly-worn garments of their friends were given to
+Mrs. Allen, who astonished the donors by making them up for herself or
+children so as to appear almost as well as new.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>In Lizzie's vacation, Mrs. Burrel invited her to the mansion to assist
+in a sudden emergency, and found her possessed of so much good sense,
+and withal so lovely in disposition, that she determined to befriend
+her. Aunt Mercy, when informed of all this, was not at all surprised.
+She had always insisted that there was something about Lizzie better
+than beauty, though the young girl had enough of that, which would
+interest all those who knew her.</p>
+
+<p>She had just passed her sixteenth birthday; her clear hazel eyes
+beaming brightly upon one convinced the beholder that there was both
+intellect and soul in the possessor. Her complexion was of that
+exquisite fairness usually the accompaniment of auburn hair, the
+abundant tresses of which were rolled off from her broad forehead in
+a style peculiar to herself. Her mouth was rather wide, but finely
+shaped, and disclosed a set of even teeth of pearly whiteness. Add to
+this that Lizzie had a straight nose and tiny ears, the lower tips of
+which were just visible beneath her hair, that her hands and feet were
+small and well shaped, that her figure was slight and graceful, and the
+reader can form a tolerably correct fancy in regard to her appearance.
+With all this, she was exceedingly modest and diffident with strangers,
+though her bright eyes would often sparkle with intelligence or mirth
+when her shyness prevented any other display of her feelings.</p>
+
+<p>With her father and brothers Lizzie had a wonderful influence. Indeed,
+the only weakness he displayed on the point of expense, was in urging
+his wife to subtract something from their treasured hoard and purchase
+his favorite a silk dress for Sunday wear. But this Mrs. Allen wisely
+refused. A white muslin for summer and a thibet for winter were quite
+becoming enough and far more suitable for a girl in her circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>Lizzie's heart was set on teaching, and as her father now not only
+withdrew his objection to her returning to her native place, but for
+some reason greatly wished it, she applied for a situation there in one
+of the public schools.</p>
+
+<p>It was a disappointment to all, and especially to Mrs. Allen, that Aunt
+Mercy was still with her nephew in the city. But the family who had
+moved into a part of her house readily agreed to take the young teacher
+to board, in case her application was successful. The school was to
+commence the third week in September, and the first Monday in that
+month Lizzie was requested to meet the committee for examination. Her
+heart beat painfully as she, in company with the daughter of her old
+minister, went before them. But they were nearly all friends who had
+known her from the cradle, and who wished to put the best construction
+on her timidly-spoken replies. There was, however, one stranger present
+who, though greatly interested in the applicant, feared she was too
+youthful to maintain order in a district-school. He was the gentleman
+who had recently purchased from the liquor-dealer her father's old
+estate, and who had also been elected in his place on the school
+committee.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you say, Miss Lizzie?" smilingly inquired one of the
+gentlemen. "Do you think you could keep the little ones to their
+lessons?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't know, sir, but I should like to try," was the eager answer,
+with so beaming a face that, as another friend remarked, "Lizzie has
+always been in an orderly family."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Greenough withdrew his objection, and the young lady was duly
+informed that the school would commence three weeks from that day. How
+she succeeded, or whether she succeeded at all, will best be learned
+by a letter she wrote her parents after a week's experience in her new
+business.</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"DEAR FATHER AND MOTHER,—This is Saturday afternoon, and I have
+resolved to devote part of it to writing you a long letter.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I scarcely think Fred. or Nelly would know me, I have become so
+dignified. Indeed, I scarcely know myself.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Though I have been in school only five and a half days, yet I have had
+some exciting events, which I will relate, but first I must say that I
+have thirty-four scholars, their ages varying from eight to fourteen
+years. They are generally obedient and attentive to their studies, with
+the exception of one boy, a black-eyed urchin, who began at once to
+defy my government, and said openly that he would not have a chit of a
+girl ordering him about.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"On Tuesday morning, while the scholars were reading the Scriptures in
+turn, he whistled aloud, and tried to make his companions laugh, but
+I am glad to say they only seemed distressed for me. I know I looked
+anxious, and my cheeks burned like fire, but I thought it best to take
+no notice of his bad conduct for the time. In the afternoon, while I
+was hearing a class recite in grammar (he had refused to come out of
+his seat), he began to throw slate-pencils and wads of paper toward the
+desk.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I looked at him as calmly as could and said,—<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'I am sure there is no pupil here who wishes to disturb the
+recitations. We can do nothing without order.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'I shall do as I please, here or anywhere else,' he answered,
+defiantly, and he whistled louder than ever.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Willie Greenough, a fine boy twelve years old, came directly to my
+side, and stood there, as if he meant to defend me from insult, while
+both girls and boys cried, 'Shame!'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"During the remainder of the morning I had no trouble.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"In the afternoon, Mr. Greenough came to visit the school. I saw Willie
+smile when his father took the great chair on the platform, and judged
+at once that he had been notified of our disturbance. At recess the
+gentleman talked with me about Thomas Brown, the unruly boy. He said I
+should not be troubled with him, for he ought to be expelled.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Oh, no, sir,' I answered, quite forgetting my fear of the gentleman.
+'I hope to make him one of my best friends and scholars yet. If I
+cannot manage the school, I will resign it to somebody who can do so.
+I feel quite confident Thomas will be a comfort to me by and by. It is
+only a work of time.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"He smiled pleasantly.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Well,' he said, 'I see you understand governing. I'll leave him with
+you for the present, on condition if you have trouble, you will send
+for me at once.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Thank you, sir,' I answered, 'but Willie is so stout a defender of my
+rights, I have no doubt I shall get along very well.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Ah, yes,' he said, warmly. 'You have made a friend of Willie.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I watched a chance for two days of talking with Thomas, but until
+Thursday night I did not succeed. Then I came upon him suddenly, and
+asked him to walk home with me.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"At first he would scarcely speak. I tried to convince him I was his
+friend, and at last, he said, sullenly,—<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'I never could bear partial teachers.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'How have I been partial?' I asked.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'You let Willie Greenough do just what he's a mind to; and you smile
+at him ever so much. I saw you this morning when he gave you the
+flowers.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I had to bite my lips to keep from laughing, but I said,—<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Did you know, Thomas, I used to live where Willie does now? I had a
+pretty garden then, and my father planted a rose-bush for me close by
+the window. It bore beautiful blush roses; and it was a rose from that
+very bush Willie brought me. When I smelled it, I was carried back to
+the time I was a little girl, and used to pluck them for myself. Do you
+wonder I was pleased with his little gift?'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Well, you let him walk home with you 'most every day.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Of course I don't refuse his company, but I should have preferred
+yours, because I wanted to talk with you.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I then conversed with him about his studies and at last said, 'If
+I can't teach you, I must leave; for I never shall consent to your
+growing up ignorant on my account.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We came at last to Aunt Mercy's gate. He stood a moment awkwardly
+waking figures in the dirt with his foot, and his face as red as fire,
+and then burst out,—<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'You sha'n't leave for me. I like you tip-top, now!' And then he ran
+off as fast as he could go.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This morning he brought me a large bunch of dahlias of a dozen
+varieties, and I think he was satisfied by the way I received them that
+I was not partial, unless it was to him.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"He has recited in every lesson since, and has not missed one word.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This noon as I came by our old home, Mr. Greenough came out. I was
+surrounded with girls and boys, who took turns in holding my hand. He
+laughed heartily as he saw us, and said,—<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'I congratulate you, Miss Allen, on your success.'"<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't think I shall have any more trouble, though my rules are
+stricter than they were at first, but I explain everything, and ask who
+will help me. Thomas's hand was raised twice to-day, the first of any
+one.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mrs. Russell, where I board, is very kind, but I miss Aunt Mercy
+dreadfully. Please send me John's letters as soon as you receive them.<br>
+<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 11.5em;">"Your affectionate daughter,</span><br>
+<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 22em;">"LIZZIE."</span><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_10">CHAPTER X.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"I WONDER what is the reason some folks are always poor," muttered
+Robert Carter, a neighbor of the Allens, and also employed by Mr.
+Burrel on the farm. "I work as hard as anybody, but somehow I never get
+along."</p>
+
+<p>His wife, to whom the remark was made, thought it more prudent to
+remain silent, having learned from painful experience that it is not
+always wise to speak one's thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"There's Allen," the man went on. "He was as poor as poverty when he
+came into town little more than a year ago. His expenses must be more
+than mine, for he has two children to my one; yet he's prospered and
+laying up money, besides sending off his children to school. I don't
+see how it is. Sometimes I get to thinking about it and I'm clear down
+at the heel."</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you ask Allen?" inquired his wife, seeing he expected her to
+speak. "I'm sure I should be more'n glad to know their secret."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tisn't no use; it's all luck. Some folks are born to prosper and some
+isn't, that's it."</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps if we saved up a little money, husband, and sent Bob and Susan
+to school, and kept Warren from robbing Mr. Burrel's garden, they might
+get the job of picking fruit. I knew the Allen children earn a good
+deal that way."</p>
+
+<p>"What nonsense you talk, wife! All the fixing up and schooling you
+could give our young uns would not alter it a hair. Mrs. Burrel's
+prejudiced against 'em, and wouldn't let 'em among her vines for
+nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"It's worth making the trial, then; four cents a box for strawberries
+and six cents a quart for shelled peas or beans, is something when it
+comes every day. Mrs. Allen told me she'd speak to the mistress for
+them if I wished. Even her little Fred. is trusted to weed, and he only
+five years old."</p>
+
+<p>"'Twould be worth all that to keep our boys at it," said the husband,
+only half convinced. "They'd rather be off bird-nesting, or sitting
+with their feet in the water."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I suppose so, but they'll have to learn to work sometime, and, as
+Mrs. Allen says, 'it's easier to form the habit when they're young.' I
+was telling her what a sight of work there was in her children, and she
+said they were like all children, fonder of play than of work, but the
+habit was the thing. She had to drill them into it. 'So much must be
+done, and then your time's your own.'"</p>
+
+<p>"I never had a fancy for taming children down that way. If you have,
+you're welcome to try, but don't bother me with it."</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Allen says she'd rather have her children work, even if they get
+nothing for it; and then she repeated off the prettiest verse. I can't
+justly remember it, but it was about Satan finding work for the idle
+hands. I thought of it all the way home, and I believe, Robert, if our
+boys were made to work, they wouldn't bring us into disgrace with their
+mischief."</p>
+
+<p>"Wont you tell Mrs. Allen to mind her own business? I have enough
+bother with her young ones jumping into the cart every time I go back
+empty from the field."</p>
+
+<p>"But you said, Robert, they were such mannerly little things it was a
+pleasure to oblige them. There was always, a 'Thank you, sir,' or a
+'Please, Mr. Carter, do I trouble you?'"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well! You've talked enough about it. Give me down my pipe, and
+I'll smoke awhile before I go to bed."</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"How much do you suppose your tobacco costs you?" asked Mr. Allen,
+pleasantly, as his neighbor came walking toward him one day with a
+piece of broken pipe in his mouth.</p>
+
+<p>"Only the merest trifle. I don't smoke much."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, how much—ten cents a week?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rather more than that. I generally get two papers when I go to the
+store."</p>
+
+<p>"Say twenty-five, then, which is a low estimate. Have you ever reckoned
+that in a year that sum would be thirteen dollars,—enough to buy a suit
+of working clothes?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see what you're driving at. I could sooner do without food
+than without my pipe."</p>
+
+<p>"So I thought once, but I haven't touched a cigar for fifteen months.
+I was thinking of what you said about times being hard with you. It's
+these superfluities that count up with us working men. You or I would
+think it hard if our wives insisted every day on having a dainty meal
+which they couldn't share with the family. But we men, who work no
+harder than they do, spend money for what is no advantage to any one;
+for I'm sure we're better off without it."</p>
+
+<p>"I don't. I tried quitting it once, and I declare I was cross enough to
+bite a board nail. There's difference in people, you see."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Allen laughed heartily.</p>
+
+<p>"I know exactly how you felt," he said. "I grew thin and lost my
+appetite, but I persevered, and now I wouldn't touch the vile weed for
+the brightest guinea you could give me. You see, neighbor," he said,
+warming with the subject, "smoking or chewing, and you do both, creates
+a thirst that water don't satisfy. You may drink and drink, but there
+will be a terrible craving still. Little by little, one is tempted
+to try stimulants until the night and morning drams are thought as
+necessary as the tobacco."</p>
+
+<p>This was a sore subject to Carter; for his score at the oyster saloon,
+where he went as regularly as to his meals, swallowed more than a third
+of his wages. He felt inclined to resent this plain talk from his
+fellow-laborer, but Allen had always been kind to him, and had it in
+his power to befriend him farther.</p>
+
+<p>"I think I know your thoughts," the gardener said, good-naturedly. "I
+heard your wife talking to mine the other night, and wondering how we
+got along so much better than our neighbors; and I thought then that
+I'd have a little talk with you. I feel an interest in your family,
+Carter, and in you, too, and I would be glad if I could help you to
+better days."</p>
+
+<p>"I can't say I like very well to have neighbors meddling in my
+affairs," was the somewhat surly reply. "I think I'm as competent to
+manage my business as most common men. I dare say you mean well, but
+it's no use to argue about smoking and chewing and all them things, for
+I never shall give 'em up."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, Neighbor Carter, I'm glad you acknowledge that my motive is
+good." And so they parted.</p>
+
+<p>But Mrs. Allen did not cease her efforts for the benefit of her
+neighbors. She encouraged Bell and Carrie to be kind to the children;
+and herself often called in Bob, Warren, and Susan to eat a bowl of
+bread and milk with her little flock.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Carter now often came to her for advice. She was beginning to be
+dissatisfied with her own way of living, and, under her neighbor's
+judicious instruction, had commenced a reform in her housekeeping. She
+exerted herself to the utmost to make their poor home appear pleasant
+to her husband, and refrained from detailing the constant annoyances to
+which her children subjected her by their thieving propensities. From
+Mrs. Allen, too, she learned to cook a number of relishing dishes at
+little expense, which, though he did not acknowledge it, went farther
+toward convincing him that he might possibly do without his dram than
+all else had done.</p>
+
+<p>"So you've had a call from the great folks," he said, one evening on
+his return from work. "I should think it was time they came, when I've
+worked on the farm two years before they ever heard of Allen. But some
+folks has the luck of attracting notice."</p>
+
+<p>"It was Mrs. Allen asked her to call," urged Mrs. Carter, warmly, "and
+she'd be a good friend to me and to you, if you'd let her. She spoke
+very pretty to the lady for me, and I'm to go up for washing, to try if
+I can do it to please the great folks."</p>
+
+<p>"That's because she didn't want the washing herself. I aint so easily
+taken in."</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Carter felt her blood boil with anger, but resolved, if possible,
+to curb it. So taking a heaping platter of potatoes and a johnny-cake
+from the oven, she proceeded to place them on the table.</p>
+
+<p>Her husband sat down to eat in silence, the children as usual being off
+on some frolic. But curiosity to hear about their visitors at length
+prevailed over his ill-humor, and he said,—</p>
+
+<p>"What did you find to talk about to the ladies?"</p>
+
+<p>"I was after scouring the floor, and she praised me for keeping it
+neat. She said, 'if a house was ever so poor or plainly furnished,
+neatness might make it attractive.' Those were her very words. I minded
+them well."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Betsey," the man said, gazing about him with a condescending air,
+"you do keep your room a great deal smarter than you used to."</p>
+
+<p>Even this poor praise made her heart quite light, and she went on
+frankly to say,—</p>
+
+<p>"I have been thinking how I wish we owned this place. If we did, I
+could paper the walls,—I learned when I was a girl,—and with the money
+I earn at the great house, I could buy paint for the outside. Then I'd
+add green blinds,—they make a house look so genteel, you know,—and have
+a pretty patch of flowers in front. I do believe, husband, if we had a
+tidy place of our own, the children would be proud to stay in it."</p>
+
+<p>Her eyes beamed with pleasure at the picture she had drawn, but she was
+suddenly let down from her heights of fancy by her husband, who said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Wife, if you aren't too much lifted up by your green blinds, wont you
+light my pipe? I'm going to the store."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, husband, if you will only stay with me! I know it hurts you to go
+there so much. I'll fix me up, and we'll take a walk together, as we
+used to. I made your tea real strong, so you wouldn't miss your drink.
+Say, wont you?"</p>
+
+<p>Whether it was the strong tea, or a newly-awakened desire to try the
+effect of abstinence, Mr. Carter did consent to stay at home, and cut
+wood for the rest of the evening, which concession so much elated his
+wife's spirits that she planned a number of additional improvements if
+the house were only their own.</p>
+
+<p>Taking in washing, as she hoped to do, involved the buying of a new
+clothes-line and pins. How to obtain them was the question, since, if
+she asked her husband for money to go to the store, he would be likely
+to say she had better give up at once, since it cost more to get ready
+than the work was worth. The berries were now in their prime, and at
+last, a lucky thought occurred to her.</p>
+
+<p>"If Robert will consent for once to eat a cold dinner, I will take the
+children and go into the woods for the day."</p>
+
+<p>Robert did consent, though not very graciously.</p>
+
+<p>"I can do it," he answered, "but I'm sick of improvements, as you call
+them, since I must be shut out of my own house, and left to eat dinner
+like a dog from a pail."</p>
+
+<p>But at night, when she returned laden with the fruits of her industry,
+and even Bob in possession of a large basket of berries, which
+he eagerly declared he could sell for ten cents a quart, the man
+acknowledged they had made a good day of it, and recommended them to
+follow the business.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Allen had many times urged her neighbors to send their children to
+the Sabbath-school, but had always been met by the excuse that they had
+no suitable clothes. Now, by means of much coaxing, she persuaded them
+to go berrying day after day, until, besides the new line and two dozen
+of pins, they had earned enough to buy cloth for two calico dresses,
+two jackets, and a pair of pants. These her kind adviser gladly cut for
+her, explaining, meanwhile, that, in the families of the poor, many a
+penny may be saved by making one's own garments instead of buying them
+at the shops.</p>
+
+<p>It was quite an era in the Carter family when, one fine Sabbath morning
+in September, Bob, Susan, Warren, and Nora started off together for
+Sabbath-school.</p>
+
+<p>Even Mr. Carter was conscious of some degree of pride as he saw them
+walk away from the house neatly dressed, while the passers-by turned
+again and again to gaze at them.</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you buy yourself a gown?" he asked, suddenly turning to his
+wife, who was standing in the doorway, shading her eyes to see the last
+of the children.</p>
+
+<p>"Me? Oh, my turn will come by and by. I want to fit you out next."</p>
+
+<p>He said no more, but on Saturday night brought her a silver dollar,
+the exact sum he had saved by going without his morning and evening
+dram,—the exercise of which self-denial cost him more than he cared to
+acknowledge.</p>
+
+<p>The woman was in raptures, declaring it was worth more to her than a
+dozen new gowns; that she'd be willing to wash day and night, to go
+without new dresses, if he would only give up his visits to the saloon.</p>
+
+<p>In truth, Mr. Allen's friendly warnings and his wife's hopeful visions
+were not without their effect, though not for his little finger would
+he acknowledge it to any one. He began to doubt whether it was all
+luck, as he had so often declared, and whether his own habits might not
+have something to do with it.</p>
+
+<p>The first step he took toward reform was to seize Bob and Warren, as
+they lay sunning themselves in front of the house, and give them a
+smart flogging for their laziness, assuring the astonished youngsters
+that they were old enough to earn their own living, whereas they now
+didn't earn the salt to their porridge.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_11">CHAPTER XI.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>ONE LEAK STOPPED.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>AND now, dear reader, I will invite you to accompany me to a tasteful
+cottage in the suburbs of the great commercial city in which the early
+scenes of our story are laid.</p>
+
+<p>Descending from the omnibus in the great thoroughfare passing directly
+by the house, we turn into a rustic gate and enter a narrow path,
+so shaded by shrubbery that the walls of the cottage are scarcely
+visible. The building is of rough stone, of Gothic architecture, a
+wide portico running along in front of the door far enough to take in
+the long window on either side. Over the parlor window at the end,
+a pretty balcony is thrown out, giving expression, as Downing says,
+to the house. The other end, which is the sunny one, the windows are
+almost concealed by a luxuriant growth of woodbine, which is trained on
+trellises and then runs up to the roof.</p>
+
+<p>Glancing from side to side, as we pass on to the door, we see that the
+walk is lined with ornamental shrubs, smoke-trees, and a few plants,
+among which the scarlet geranium and a fine growth of verbenas are
+prominent. In the front portico hangs a bird-cage, from which comes a
+gush of song to welcome our arrival, but a far prettier scene than that
+without awaits us as we enter. The rooms below—a parlor on one side
+and library on the other—are open, but vacant. The hum of voices from
+the chamber arrests our attention, and we softly advance up the black
+walnut staircase, past the beautiful statue of a flower-girl in the
+niche, on toward the door of the room. It is a sacred picture. Dare we
+intrude?</p>
+
+<p>In the foreground, stands a tall gentleman, receiving from the arms of
+an old lady his first-born son, while the beautiful mother, pale as the
+lilies whose name she bears, looks on with mingled tears and smiles.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't be afraid of the little creature!" exclaims Aunt Mercy, her
+countenance showing how fully she enters into the scene. "He's neither
+sugar nor salt, and wont melt in your hands."</p>
+
+<p>"But it does seem so very small!"</p>
+
+<p>"Bigger by a couple of pounds than you were, Lawrence. He's a good
+stout fellow, considering."</p>
+
+<p>A feeble wail from the infant caused the father to press his lips
+softly on the tiny cheeks, and resign it quickly to the more
+experienced arms of his aunt.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps he's hungry," murmured Lily, with an anxious glance at the
+roll of flannel. "Oh, I wish babies could talk!"</p>
+
+<p>A holier, deeper light beamed from her eye as her husband took his
+customary seat near her.</p>
+
+<p>"Only think," she said, with a smile, "the doctor says I shall be able
+to ride out in a week. I wish mamma could see baby. Oh, I never knew
+babies were such little darlings!"</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Mercy is in her element now," he exclaimed, laughing. "I suppose
+that is the way she used to fondle me."</p>
+
+<p>She drew his head down to the pillow and whispered,—</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Lawrence, my heart is full of love and thanks to Him for this
+precious gift! I never knew before what happiness was. How can I best
+show my gratitude?"</p>
+
+<p>"We will try to train our child for his service," was the low-spoken
+rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Weeks flew by with rapid wings. A happy household was that where God
+was loved and honored. Lily's heart was full of joy. Every morning,
+with her own hands, she washed and dressed her babe, murmuring soft
+words of endearment, and then she folded his tiny hands in hers, and
+offered sweet, earnest petitions in his behalf.</p>
+
+<p>"He shall never remember when he learned to pray," she said one day to
+her husband; "for he might not have one so tender and patient to teach
+him as I had; and then I lost so many years of happiness."</p>
+
+<p>Lady-bird had become a full convert to Aunt Mercy's opinion that every
+wife should know how to order her own family. At first, indeed, she
+begged the old lady to do it for her, at least while she was with them,
+but the answer was,—</p>
+
+<p>"'Twont do to transfer your responsibility to my shoulders. I'll help
+you all I can, but you are mistress here."</p>
+
+<p>It was trying to the young mother to tear herself away from the
+nursery, even though Master Harry lay sound asleep in his cradle, but
+she was convinced Aunt Mercy was right. So, tucking up her dainty white
+cuffs, and donning an apron, she ran laughing to the kitchen to take
+lessons in bread and cake making.</p>
+
+<p>Little by little, with the judicious advice of an experienced hand
+over at her side, Lady-bird learned to cook and oversee Maggie, a
+ruddy-faced Scotch girl, who had come to them directly after the exit
+of cook and Ann. Step by step, she gained an insight into the mysteries
+of soups, roasts, puddings, and waffles, until one day, when Lawrence
+brought a guest unexpectedly home to dine, she told him, with a smile,
+and a blush, that the dinner was entirely cooked by her own hands,
+while Aunt Mercy sat by holding Harry in her arms.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter" id="image006" style="max-width: 25.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/image006.jpg" alt="image006"></figure>
+<p class="t4">
+<b>TRUE HAPPINESS.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>The visitor was a merchant of great wealth, one who had known Lily for
+many years during his occasional visits to the city. He had learned
+of their pecuniary trials, and had so great a curiosity to see how
+she would bear the change from luxury to comparative poverty that
+he readily accepted Mr. Everett's invitation to make a visit at the
+cottage. On their way, he hinted at the subject, saying, cautiously,—</p>
+
+<p>"I presume Lily misses her parents and all the elegances of her former
+position."</p>
+
+<p>But the husband only smiled. "Yes," he said, "it is a great change for
+her certainly. Lily—But she will tell you about it."</p>
+
+<p>"I never knew a child more petted and indulged than she was," rejoined
+Mr. Abbott. "Every wish of her heart was gratified."</p>
+
+<p>Again that peculiar smile, and at this moment Lawrence announced that
+they had reached home.</p>
+
+<p>Lady-bird had not given up her old habit of opening the door for her
+husband, and came running down the stairs at the first sound of his
+step on the walk, bringing her babe in her arms. A crimson merino
+dress, for it was now chilly weather, gave a beautiful rosy tinge to
+her cheek, a little knot of ribbon doing day for a breastpin, while her
+eyes beamed with happiness.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Lawrence!" she began, joyfully, when, seeing Mr. Abbott, she
+checked herself, and extended to him a cordial welcome.</p>
+
+<p>"Come right in here," she said, leading the way to the library, where a
+bright coal fire was blazing in the grate. "Come, and I will show you
+my boy."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Everett, you have played me false!" exclaimed the gentleman,
+warmly. "You have been telling me of your losses, but Lily looks as gay
+as if she had become heir to the wealth of the Rothschilds."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you mean losing our money?" asked Lady-bird, opening wide her eyes
+in astonishment. "Because that was the greatest blessing that could
+have happened to us. I have learned a great deal I shouldn't have known
+otherwise."</p>
+
+<p>"Truly, then, you can say, 'Sweet are the uses of adversity,'"
+rejoined the gentleman, laughing. "But I am neglecting to cultivate
+the acquaintance of this little fellow, a fine specimen certainly. I
+congratulate you both on the possession of such a prize."</p>
+
+<p>Dinner was usually served as soon as Mr. Everett came home, and Lily,
+leaving her boy with his father, ran out to cast a glance over the
+table, and see that all was right. Everything was in order, and she
+needed only to add an extra plate.</p>
+
+<p>"How glad I am," she said to Aunt Mercy, "that the roast came out so
+nicely browned, and then my dumplings are such a success!"</p>
+
+<p>"The proof of the pudding is in the eating, child," was the smiling
+rejoinder.</p>
+
+<p>"This is a great occasion for us," remarked the husband, when grace had
+been said. "This is Lily's first effort at cooking an entire dinner."</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs. Everett cooking! I can scarcely credit it. What would your
+fashionable acquaintances say?" asked the gentleman, in pretended
+astonishment. "Well, I think wonders never will end. I should have
+thought of almost any one in my knowledge undertaking such business
+before you."</p>
+
+<p>"I think, sir," remarked Aunt Mercy, "you never could have known our
+Lady-bird, or you would have been sure that she would do this very
+thing."</p>
+
+<p>"Well done, Aunt Mercy! You see," exclaimed Mr. Everett, "Lily has
+stout defenders here."</p>
+
+<p>"So you will have to be careful how you slander me," added the young
+wife, blushing.</p>
+
+<p>"I can tell you how it is in a word," explained the gentleman. "When
+I was married, I was in a thriving business and began housekeeping on
+too large a scale. It took us but a few months, with Aunt Mercy's help,
+to find out there was a dreadful leak in our expenses, and we have all
+taken hold in earnest to stop it."</p>
+
+<p>"And what does mamma say to all this?"</p>
+
+<p>Lily's eyes sparkled with merriment, as she replied,—</p>
+
+<p>"She don't know what to say. She can't believe me when I write her that
+I can make custards and fricassee chickens and scallop oysters. She
+don't understand how I can be so happy in this little cottage. She has
+never seen our dear little household angel. She writes doleful letters
+of sympathy in reply to my merry ones, and only wishes I could be with
+her in Paris, where she is visiting and fêting so gayly. I think if she
+could see me in the morning, making coffee and muffins for breakfast
+with my apron on, she would weep over me."</p>
+
+<p>Lily ended with a sweet, musical laugh, so hearty that all her hearers
+joined in it.</p>
+
+<p>"Aunt Mercy could tell you a long story of my inefficiency when she
+first knew me," the young wife went on. "I had not the least idea of my
+duties as the mistress of a household, but thought they consisted in
+watching at the window for my husband and running to open the door for
+him."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Lady-bird! Who is slandering my wife, now?" asked Lawrence, with a
+tender glance in her face. "You know you find time to do that now with
+all your care."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be warmly received among your old friends, Mrs. Everett," said
+Mr. Abbott, "when they know I have been to visit you."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, no! We have had many visitors, but you are welcome to tell all
+who are interested to know that we would not go back to our palace in
+Montgomery Place, and be as rich as we once were, for anything. Would
+we, Lawrence?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am perfectly content with my present lot," he said, so warmly, that
+Mr. Abbott nodded approval.</p>
+
+<p>With the coffee Master Harry was brought in, and sat in his father's
+lap, while the delicious beverage was discussed and enjoyed. And then
+Mr. Everett reluctantly left for the city, saying, "I must not be
+behind the rest in stopping the leak. I work hard in these days."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_12">CHAPTER XII.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>A SECOND LEAK STOPPED.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>EARLY in the winter John Allen came to the city, and after some
+discussion, it was concluded to give him a home at the cottage, and
+thus shield him from some of the many temptations which would surround
+him. He was an ardent admirer of his Cousin Lily from the first moment
+he saw her; and speedily ingratiated himself into her favor by the
+attention he paid little Harry. John had brown hair, which curled close
+to his head, and nothing pleased the baby better than to get his tiny
+fingers tangled in the locks, and then hear John exclaim, with a start,
+"Oh! Oh, dear!"</p>
+
+<p>At the store, John strove to please, laying up every cent of his wages
+to help stop the leak at his own home. Mr. Everett soon agreed with
+Aunt Mercy that there was something in the boy, and resolved to give
+him a chance to succeed.</p>
+
+<p>From Lizzie, John heard regularly, sometimes receiving letters she
+had written home, and at others epistles directed to himself. She
+had succeeded so well during the fall term, and the scholars plead
+so earnestly that she would remain, that the committee concluded to
+leave the winter school in her hands. There was double the number
+of scholars, some of them older than herself. But, as Mr. Greenough
+remarked to the other members of the committee, with all her mirth
+there was a dignity about their new teacher which would carry her
+triumphantly through many difficulties.</p>
+
+<p>The vacation was passed with John in his new home, where the merry
+girl speedily became a great favorite. Indeed, the first tears that
+Lady-bird had shed at the cottage were when parting from her young
+visitor. She had so many queer experiences to relate of her scholars,
+so much to say of the kindness of the committee, and withal was so
+helpful, in the kitchen and nursery, that both Lily and her husband
+begged her to give up her school and pass the winter with them.</p>
+
+<p>One incident which occurred during her visit I must not forget to
+relate. The candles were lighted-one evening, and Lizzie was having a
+game of frolics with Harry on the floor, while Mr. and Mrs. Everett
+were laughing spectators, when there was a ring at the door, and
+presently Maggie ushered in a tall, thin stranger. Lizzie sprang so
+quickly to her feet that she upset the baby,—blushes burning on her
+cheeks, when she introduced the gentleman as "Dr. Greenough."</p>
+
+<p>"What a sly girl," whispered Lily, when the couple were so much
+absorbed as not to notice her, "pretending to be such a confidential
+friend, and yet keeping back that she had a lover!"</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, Lady-bird!" was the cautious rejoinder. "He will hear you; and
+I can see by his manner that though he is a lover, he has not yet
+declared himself."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall just go and call Aunt Mercy, and see what she says to all
+this."</p>
+
+<p>The old lady had merely seen the family of Mr. Greenough at church,
+having been absent most of the time since their arrival; and now she
+fixed her keen eyes on the young man, as if she would read him through.
+He bore the scrutiny very well, while Lizzie, whose eyes were running
+over with merriment, sat smiling to herself at Aunt Mercy's questions.
+He was son of the Mr. Greenough who had been so kind to Lizzie in the
+school. He had graduated from college, had just finished the study of
+medicine, and was intending to accept the offer of the old physician
+in N—, to go into partnership with him. This was the substance of the
+information Mrs. Lovell's questions elicited from him.</p>
+
+<p>She grew a trifle more gracious, and went on with her catechizing,
+resolved to test well the character of a man who was so evidently
+making love to her favorite niece. In the course of the conversation,
+it came out that for several years he had been a church-member; and
+some remark he made concerning the aged pastor satisfied her that
+he was a possessor, as well as a professor, of religion. She leaned
+back in her chair with an air of so much relief that both Lady-bird
+and Lizzie, who had been closely watching them, found difficulty in
+restraining their mirth.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Greenough well understood and appreciated the object of her
+inquiries. When they were through, he gave Lizzie so arch a glance
+that she was obliged suddenly to leave the room in order to maintain
+the dignity of a school-teacher. When she came back, the conversation
+turned on her school,—the marked improvement in Thomas Brown, the
+devotion of her friend Willie, and the prospect for the ensuing term.
+At a late hour the gentleman, with evident reluctance, took his leave,
+after having obtained permission to accompany her back to N—.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>It is now time that we inquire how Mr. Allen succeeds in stopping
+the leak made by his intemperate habits. Bell, Carrie, and Ned made
+themselves so useful that, besides attending school, they earned a
+considerable part of the money necessary for the actual outlays of the
+family. The little ones saved their pennies for shoes and hats, while
+Mrs. Allen did her full part in putting everything, in doors and out,
+to the best use of which it was capable. Besides what she earned in
+the dairy, her own cow was so profitable that she was able to make
+more butter than the family used, which she readily disposed of at the
+store in exchange for groceries. Every moment of her time was turned to
+good account,—making, repairing clothes for herself and children from
+garments given her at the great house, or knitting for winter wear at
+intervals, while she superintended the movements of her older girls in
+the kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>In this way Mr. Allen was enabled to lay by almost the whole of his
+wages toward the secret object of his desires. What this was, no one
+but his wife knew. But now it was necessary to put the funds he had
+gathered in some place where they would be earning interest, and he
+resolved to take Aunt Mercy into his confidence. He did so in the
+following letter:—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"TO MRS. MERCY LOVELL:<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"DEAR AUNT,—We have been hoping for a visit from you. But as John
+writes there is no probability of your leaving the city for the
+present, I wish to write you confidentially on a subject of great
+importance to me.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"As soon as I came to my right mind after leaving N—, I began to ask
+myself whether there was any hope that I might recover the estate left
+me by my father. For a long time I did not speak of it even to Mary,
+but I used to lie hour after hour in the night pondering the subject,
+and making plans to get it out of the hands of the man who I am
+convinced took advantage of my habits to cheat me.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"From the first Mary has encouraged me to hope, and she has done more.
+Without one word of repining and complaint that I had brought this
+trouble on her, she cheerfully promised to aid me in saving every cent
+we could spare from our family expenses toward the attainment of that
+end.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Since that, the estate has been purchased, as you know, by Mr.
+Greenough, who has laid out large sums in improving the land,
+ornamenting the house, and also in adding about twenty acres to the
+original homestead.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Against all this I have now four hundred dollars by me, which I wish
+to invest safely where it will accumulate. A small sum you will say to
+repurchase an estate worth seven thousand dollars, but I hope now to be
+able to add rapidly to my stock, while real estate is rather falling
+than rising in value.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have questioned Lizzie closely in regard to the present owners,
+though she has not the most distant idea of my intention. She says
+there are two sons, neither of them intending to be farmers, that Mr.
+Greenough himself is not a practical farmer, but he has retired from
+the life of a merchant in consequence of feeble health, and that Mrs.
+Greenough much prefers the city.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Upon these facts I build my hopes that by and by he may be induced to
+sell the place, even if he retains a mortgage on it. I feel sure that,
+with the experience I have gained here, if I could live there, I could
+make the crops so valuable that I could soon pay off any incumbrance
+on it. Will you do me the favor to consult Mr. Everett in relation to
+funding my small sum? Until I am back in my old position, I never shall
+feel that our terrible leak is stopped.<br>
+<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"Your affectionate nephew,</span><br>
+<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 15em;">"JOSEPH ALLEN."</span><br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"There isn't much prospect of his ever realizing his hopes," murmured
+Aunt Mercy, deliberately folding the letter and taking off her glasses
+to reflect upon the subject it contained. "Joseph doesn't seem to
+suspect that Mr. Greenough's son and his Lizzie are so friendly.
+'Twould be strange indeed if the young people should have the farm.
+Well, I'll talk with Lawrence about investments. I wouldn't discourage
+Joseph for the world; and if he is likely to succeed, there's a
+thousand or two I might loan him to begin with. I should be sure of the
+interest, and I sha'n't live to want it a great while. No, 'twont do to
+discourage him."</p>
+
+<p>The next day she wrote an answer stating two ways of investing his four
+hundred dollars where it would yield a good income, and at the close
+hinted that in the county bank there were a couple of thousand dollars
+which he was welcome to use whenever he wished.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder what good news Allen has heard," exclaimed Mr. Burrel one
+evening to his wife. "He's had a broad grin on his face every time I've
+met him."</p>
+
+<p>"He always looks smiling," was the quiet, response.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, but not as he has to-day. I've heard him whistle often, but
+there's something new I'm sure. Well, he's a faithful fellow, and I was
+fortunate to secure him."</p>
+
+<p>"Mary told me something of their former history the other day," said
+Mrs. Burrel, which accounts for their being so different from most in
+their position. "They were quite wealthy when they were married. Mary
+says she never knew what it was to have a want unsupplied till she had
+been married five years."</p>
+
+<p>"Allen took to drinking, and lost everything; he told me that himself,
+when I first hired him. He is a stanch temperance man now. I can see
+the effect of his example on the other men. There's Carter has improved
+wonderfully of late."</p>
+
+<p>"All Mary's work," was the smiling response. "She began with the wife.
+Carter fought her for a long time, and forbade his children speaking to
+Mr. Allen's, he was so bitter."</p>
+
+<p>"I really feel a curiosity to know what good fortune has happened to
+him," murmured the gentleman, thoughtfully.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably favorable news from Lizzie or John; both, I know, are
+prospering. I'll ask Mary, when I see her, what she hears from them."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_13">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>FAILURE FROM LEAKS.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>IT was midsummer of the next year when Aunt Mercy returned for a visit
+to her old home, and Lily with the baby accompanied her. The little
+fellow was teething, and the old lady advised a change of air.</p>
+
+<p>Lizzie was just through her summer term, and was hesitating whether to
+engage for the winter, when they arrived. She was eager to take advice,
+and was easily persuaded to delay her return home for a few weeks.
+Dr. Greenough long before this had ventured to tell the young teacher
+that he was earning a home for her; and now he urged her to give up
+teaching, as his business was sufficiently profitable to justify him
+in taking a wife. He called at once upon Aunt Mercy, hoping to win her
+over to his views, as, since that first catechizing, as he termed it,
+she had been a firm friend.</p>
+
+<p>But, after hearing all his arguments, she agreed with Lizzie that it
+would be better to wait another year. His business, it was true, was
+extending, but he was dependent entirely on his parents for means to
+commence housekeeping. While if they postponed their marriage a year,
+his expenses were slight, living as he did at his father's, and she
+could be earning something toward her outfit. At the end of that time,
+she would be only eighteen, quite young enough, Aunt Mercy thought, to
+assume the cares of housekeeping.</p>
+
+<p>Lily plead for the young physician, and made Harry fold his hands and
+say, "Pease, tousin."</p>
+
+<p>But, though Lizzie loved her all the more for this interest in her
+friend, she was convinced that Aunt Mercy was right.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor submitted rather ungraciously to this decision, but was
+obliged to be content with her laughing promise to be very dutiful at
+the end of the prescribed period.</p>
+
+<p>One evening he called, and the conversation turned on Aunt Mercy's
+favorite subjects, prudence and economy. He remarked,—</p>
+
+<p>"If young people would only begin right, there would be no need of
+their spending half their lives in stopping the leak."</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Greenough laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"I never heard that term before," he said, "but it is so applicable to
+a case I knew in college, I must tell you the story.</p>
+
+<p>"In my Sophomore year I became acquainted with a young man, a
+classmate, by the name of Storm. His parents lived in the city, only
+three miles from college; and I used often to accompany him home. Mr.
+Storm lived in great splendor in one of the most fashionable streets,
+keeping his carriages of different sorts for the convenience of the
+family. But his especial delight was his library, which was one of the
+most extensive private libraries within my knowledge. He had a perfect
+passion for books; and everything rare, antique, or elegant could be
+found on his shelves. He employed agents in England to search for books
+new and books old to add to his immense collection."</p>
+
+<p>"I should call that his leak," remarked Lily, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed, it proved so; but I am too fast for my story.</p>
+
+<p>"Horace, my friend, was a great reader, and could gather up the
+knowledge contained in a volume quicker than any person I ever knew. He
+never passed a book-store or an antiquarian stall without stopping to
+purchase, if he found anything to admire. I have known him spend twenty
+dollars day after day in this manner. And when once I remonstrated, he
+laughingly assured me that his father had given him 'carte-blanche' in
+the purchase of literature.</p>
+
+<p>"I used to go home with Horace once a week regularly. There was a young
+lady," he added, with an arch glance at Lizzie, "very pretty and very
+desirous of fascinating; and then we used often to run to the city for
+an hour in the evening, especially if my friend had found any rare
+volume to add to his father's collection.</p>
+
+<p>"Besides books, paintings of every description were included in Mr.
+Storm's mania. There was a large hall in his house, and the walls were
+completely lined with elegant paintings and engravings.</p>
+
+<p>"Suddenly I noticed that Horace ceased to call for me to go home with
+him. He bought no more books, and grew daily more gloomy. To all my
+questions he answered, petulantly, 'There is nothing the matter.'</p>
+
+<p>"But one day I was astonished more than I can tell you by finding a
+note from him on my table, when I returned from recitation. It simply
+said,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'DEAR ALBERT,—The game is up. There is no need for me to conceal
+longer what by to-morrow will be in all the papers. My father has
+failed in business for a large amount, double what he is worth.
+Everything has gone with a crash,—library, paintings, statuary, and
+all. My parents leave for Europe in the next steamer, unable to meet
+the loss among old friends. I am penniless, and have lost faith in
+everybody. Perhaps even you, the best friend I ever had, will forsake
+me; if so, life is worthless.<br>
+<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 12.5em;">"'HORACE STORM.'"</span><br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"Poor fellow!" faltered Lizzie. "But I'm sure I've heard the name
+somewhere."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you remember the gentleman who called with me one day at your
+school to inquire for Willie? He wore at that time gray spectacles."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, indeed!"</p>
+
+<p>"That was Horace. He was passing a few days with me, and I had told him
+about a certain teacher whose services I was trying to engage for life.
+He had a natural curiosity to see her, and so I—"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, the depravity of man!" exclaimed Lily, pitying poor Lizzie's
+embarrassment. "And so you planned a wicked excuse to criticise my
+little cousin?"</p>
+
+<p>"You had better finish your story, doctor," coolly remarked Aunt Mercy.</p>
+
+<p>"I have little more to say. The family embarked for Europe."</p>
+
+<p>"Pretty young lady and all?" archly inquired Lily.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the young lady, and as much property as they could manage to
+get together unknown to the creditors, leaving my classmate, who had
+too much honor to accompany them, to look out for himself. He had
+been troubled for a year with affection of the eyes, or he would
+have accepted the offer of the professors, and finished his college
+course. But the distress he was in, together with his sleepless nights,
+aggravated the difficulty, and he had to give up study altogether. He
+tried to get employment, and for a year peddled books and engravings
+from house to house."</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he now?" eagerly asked Lizzie.</p>
+
+<p>"He is teacher in a deaf and dumb asylum, for which he has a singular
+aptness. The influence he has over the scholars is wonderful. He is a
+noble fellow, as you will all say, when I tell you to what use he put
+his first earnings in the institution. When the family broke up, his
+mother owed a poor seamstress over fifty dollars, which she could ill
+afford to lose. Somehow Horace found it out, and sent her the money,
+though at the time he was greatly in need of clothes."</p>
+
+<p>"There are a great many good people in the world!" exclaimed Lily, with
+deep feeling. "I should like to know that man, and to have Harry know
+him when he is older."</p>
+
+<p>"If he could do it, he would like to stop the leak which his parents'
+extravagance has made, especially his father's passion for books,
+statuary, and paintings, which were, most of them, sacrificed for a
+song."</p>
+
+<p>"Where are his parents now?"</p>
+
+<p>"Still in France. They would scarcely venture back. Horace rarely
+mentions them. But he did say that they had not escaped from trouble
+by fleeing the country. They were living, the last I knew, in a little
+village, where Mr. Storm had found some business: barely sufficient to
+support them. His mother embroidered collars to eke out a living."</p>
+
+<p>"And the pretty young lady?"</p>
+
+<p>"Her fate is too sad to repeat," was the concise reply, in a tone which
+prevented farther remark.</p>
+
+<p>"Fortunately, Aunt Mercy, you were at hand to prevent so dreadful a
+result to our leak," faltered Lily, looking up from her babe with a
+smile and a tear. "I shall teach Harry to live so prudently that there
+will be no leak."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Mrs. Lovell, don't you approve of giving in charity?"</p>
+
+<p>"You don't know her as well as we do, or you wouldn't ask that," urged
+Lizzie, in an enthusiastic tone.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I do," was the old lady's reply, "but we must give what is
+our own, and not what we owe for debts. I don't believe in doing, as
+one of my father's acquaintances did, and give so profusely that his
+own family came to want, and his wife, with her two daughters, was
+obliged to resort to slop-work to save themselves from starvation. They
+worked day and night, trying to stop the leak the husband and father
+had made by his injudicious generosity, until, at the end of two years,
+the daughters fell ill of disease, brought on by close confinement, and
+died, and the broken-hearted mother soon followed them."</p>
+
+<p>"But this kind of leak is very uncommon; for more err in giving too
+little, rather than too much. There ought to be system and judgment in
+benevolence as well as in anything else."</p>
+
+<p>Lady-bird blushed. This had been a fruitful source of discussion
+between them. A generous impulse led the wife to give everything she
+possessed to the first needy object which presented itself. In this way
+she was frequently imposed upon, and afterwards regretted her charity.</p>
+
+<p>"All can't expect to be as shrewd judges of character as you are," she
+urged, half laughing. "You know you discovered Tom was a rogue the
+first time you saw him."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and it didn't take me long to find out Ann either. But we must
+allow experience to be our teachers. When a man or woman comes to my
+door with a voluble story of destitution, which they roll off their
+tongues like a parrot, I suspect they are telling me a false tale.
+You remember how quickly that poor woman dropped her mask of piety
+the other day, and began to curse me, when I pointed out to her some
+inconsistencies in her story."</p>
+
+<p>"But, Aunt Mercy," urged Lizzie, "I have heard you say you had rather
+give to ten impostors than have one really destitute go from your door
+unrelieved."</p>
+
+<p>"And so I had, but there is generally not much difficulty in discerning
+who are really needy, or to distinguish between those who are suffering
+for want of employment and who are too lazy to work."</p>
+
+<p>"Giving to the poor is one of the luxuries I find it very hard to be
+deprived of," faltered Lily, gravely. "I often ask myself what if my
+boy should ever be in want of food? Wouldn't I wish some one to take
+compassion on him, even if he were indolent?"</p>
+
+<p>"I think my father's way a good one," remarked Dr. Greenough. "He lays
+by so much every month for charitable purposes, though he often exceeds
+it in emergencies, promising himself to make it up the next month. He
+is cautious, though, in the selection of his objects."</p>
+
+<p>"Which makes his money go twice as far," added Aunt Mercy, smiling.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_14">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>HOME VERSUS OYSTER SALOON.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>"HOW much is there in the teapot now, wife?"</p>
+
+<p>This question was put by Robert Carter, as he saw Betsey, mounted on a
+chair, dropping some pieces of silver coin into an old earthen teapot
+which stood on the upper shelf of the cupboard.</p>
+
+<p>"The last time I counted it there was fifty dollars lacking a few
+pennies, and since that you've given me three from the week's wages,
+beside the trifle I and the children has earned."</p>
+
+<p>"At this rate, we shall get leave to purchase the house when we're as
+old as Methuselah."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Robert, you're always for a joke!" replied Betsey, being in
+earnest not to allow her husband's interest to flag. "Wait till I tell
+ye what the plan is. Mr. Allen explained it all over to me.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Morrison offers to sell the house and the little patch belonging
+to it for five hundred dollars. When we get one hundred scraped
+together, he will give us a writing, and take a paper—I forget what he
+called it—for the remainder."</p>
+
+<p>"A mortgage, I suppose."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, that's it; and then we sha'n't be paying out money for rent. All
+we pay will go toward the house."</p>
+
+<p>"What nonsense you do talk, Betsey! We shall have to pay interest for
+his money."</p>
+
+<p>"But Mr. Allen says it wont be half as much as the rent, and then it
+will be such a comfort to think we are going to have a home of our own.
+I shall plant a rose-bush under the window; Bell Allen has promised
+me one. And we can have potatoes and cabbages without buying them. I
+shouldn't wonder if, some day, we had a barn and a cow in it, like the
+Allens."</p>
+
+<p>Even Mr. Carter was betrayed into a laugh by the pleasant anticipation,
+but quickly drew down his mouth, saying, in his usual petulant tone,—</p>
+
+<p>"I shall believe it when I see it. You're always running on, like the
+girl in the spelling-book, with a basket of eggs on her head."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I've got fifty dollars and over to show toward the bargain, and
+that's better for ye than to have the money in the till at the oyster
+saloon for what's gone down your throat, besides the good it's done the
+children. Why, Bob works as steady now as Jamie Allen. It may be the
+making of him. Come now, Robert, own up that you're pleased, like you
+did the night you gave me the ring out by the big wood-pile."</p>
+
+<p>Robert didn't do that, but he took his pencil and a little piece of
+smooth board, and calculated how long it would take, at their present
+rate of advancement, to lay by the remainder of the hundred dollars.
+Then to this he added the amount he spent for tobacco in six months,
+and was surprised to see what a sum-total it made.</p>
+
+<p>"But I can't do it," he said to himself, grumbling; "so there's no use
+to talk. I can't, and I wont!"</p>
+
+<p>Nevertheless, Betsey was astonished to see her husband knock the ashes
+from his pipe, and replace it on the shelf without even a whiff to
+solace himself with, and still more, when the next morning passed
+without the most formal recognition of his old friend. This was a
+concession in favor of her purchase of which she had never dreamed;
+and, though his abstinence made him exceedingly fretful, she bore his
+ill-natured remarks without a murmur.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the way he has of putting the worst of himself outside," she
+said to herself, "like the lamb the Bible tells about, that put on
+the wolf's covering, when he's meaning to do his best. But there's my
+ironed clothes to go to the great house, and I must be about it."</p>
+
+<p>In the course of the day, Robert told Mr. Allen he thought he'd try to
+do without tobacco. "But I warn ye all ye'd better keep your distance
+for a day or two. I'm getting dangerous with this horrid gnawing at my
+stomach."</p>
+
+<p>It was a trying week to all the Carter family. Nothing went right with
+the father; Bob had his ears boxed for answering back, and Sarah was
+sent off without her dinner for laughing when he groaned. Even Betsey
+began to wish he would take one whiff, just to put a little good-nature
+into him, but, encouraged by her kind friends, she did everything she
+could to lessen the craving, slavish appetite for the weed. She made
+strong barley coffee, and exerted herself with the corn-cakes, for
+which Mrs. Allen was always willing to spare a little buttermilk. Not
+a word of praise did she receive, but, on the contrary, Robert found
+fault with everything she did. And finally, when she asked him whether
+he missed his pipe as much as at first, he told her to shut her mouth,
+and mind her own business.</p>
+
+<p>At the end of a fortnight, however, she had her reward. One day Robert
+came home, trying to wear the sullen face which had become almost
+habitual to him, but it was easy to see something had occurred to
+please him. He had a clumsy package under his arm, which he had thrown
+his coat over, trying to conceal it.</p>
+
+<p>"Pa!" screamed Bob, jumping from the top of the gate. "I've got a job,
+and ma says I shall have the whole of what I earn to buy me a new
+jacket."</p>
+
+<p>"What kind of a job is there that you'd stick to, I should like to
+know?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Robert, it's hard to say that to the boy, when he helped me so
+bravely with the apples and potatoes," urged Betsey, acting, as she
+often did, as a lightning-rod between her husband and the children.
+"Come in, now; the pudding is fried to a crisp just as ye like it, and
+plenty of pork and potatoes hot to yer hand."</p>
+
+<p>The man looked confused, as if he had got himself into a dilemma, and
+didn't know how to get out. He walked into the kitchen. But instead of
+going to the sink to wash as usual, he sat down at the table with the
+package still under his arm. But presently he threw off his coat, and,
+starting up, said, with a heightened color,—</p>
+
+<p>"There, Betsey, don't you ever say I never gave you a present! I've
+done with tobacco forever, and there's something I've bought for you
+with the money I should have spent for it. You shall have something to
+put in yer parlor as well as Allen's wife. Now don't go to fooling," as
+he saw her suddenly throw her apron over her head to hide her tears,
+"but hand on the victuals while I clean up."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Robert, I knew the good was in yer heart, if ye'd only let it
+shine out! 'Twas only the want of that vile stuff that made ye bitter
+against yer own family. I'll be a better wife to ye than ever. I thank
+ye, too, for the elegant present."</p>
+
+<p>The children eagerly gathered about to admire the gift. It was a statue
+of plaster, white as snow, representing a lovely child kneeling, with
+uplifted hands and eyes. It looked so pure that even Bob was awed, and
+unconsciously lowered his voice, as he said,—</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my! Sally, isn't that a pooty picter? I wonder who he sees up
+there."</p>
+
+<p>Lifting the statue with the greatest care, Mrs. Carter stowed it away
+in a large chest, and covered it with a towel, until the time when she
+should have a parlor like her neighbors.</p>
+
+<p>It was astonishing what an effect that simple act of kindness had on
+the whole family. Robert often found fault with his food, or the manner
+in which it was cooked, but to-night he ate it with an evident relish,
+meantime relating every particular of the purchase.</p>
+
+<p>"I may as well make a clean breast of it," he said, laughing. "I've
+been cross as fury since I left off smoking, and I don't say but
+there'll be times when I shall be so agin, but 'tisn't every wife that
+would have got along with it as well as you have. I said that to myself
+over and over again in the midst of my tantrums. To-night I was coming
+home from work, when I met a man with a long shelf of them 'ere things
+on his head, and all at onct it come right into my mind, 'There's a
+present for Betsey to put inter the new parlor.'"</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>The next morning, when the children had gone to school (Mrs. Allen had
+persuaded Betsey to send them regularly now), she could not refrain
+from carrying the statue to her kind neighbors.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a perfect beauty!" exclaimed Mrs. Allen, wiping the suds from her
+hands, and lifting it tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>"Bobby says he's looking at somebody," repeated the mother.</p>
+
+<p>"He is praying to God, Betsey. Children who pray to him see him with an
+eye of faith."</p>
+
+<p>"I never thought of that," faltered the woman, her face growing very
+serious.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you see he looks like a little angel?" continued Mary, noticing
+with pleasure the effect of her words. "See how pure and peaceful every
+feature is! That is the way Christians feel when they have given all
+their cares up to Him. They seem to see his smile, and it encourages
+them to pray always."</p>
+
+<p>Betsey covered the towel over her treasure, and merely saying
+"Good-morning," turned toward home. But again and again she said to
+herself, "He's praying to God," and twice she lifted a corner of the
+towel to gaze at the peaceful features. The woman could not then
+describe her feelings, but she afterwards said,—</p>
+
+<p>"I never seemed to know before what prayer was, and my heart yearned
+toward God."</p>
+
+<p>In the evening, she called the children, one by one, into the bedroom,
+and showed them the praying child, repeating what Mrs. Allen had said.
+But they did not seem impressed by it as she was. To her it seemed to
+say, "You ought to pray to God."</p>
+
+<p>In the dead of night, when all were sleeping, she crept softly out of
+bed, and kneeling in the middle of the floor, raised her hands and
+eyes in the darkness toward that gracious Friend who needs no light to
+see the contrite heart searching after him. Not a sound escaped her
+lips, but her soul went forth to God, "if haply she might find him," in
+yearning desires to be made pure and peaceful like that little child.
+She longed to strike a light for one glimpse of those sweet, calm
+features, but feared to arouse her husband; so she again sought her
+pillow, and was soon fast asleep.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>One month glided rapidly into another, every week enabling Betsey to
+lay aside a pretty little sum toward the purchase of their cottage,
+until a hundred dollars were safely deposited in the earthen teapot.
+Mr. Carter now thought it time for him, as the head of the family, to
+negotiate the business with the owner. But first he asked Mr. Allen's
+advice, who recommended him to request Mr. Burrel, who was justice of
+the peace, to draw the deed.</p>
+
+<p>"But how came you by so much money, Carter?" asked the gentleman, after
+listening with great interest to the story.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, sir," answered Robert, trying to conceal his confusion by a
+laugh, "about half of it is what I've saved from the till of Massey at
+the oyster saloon, and what I used to spend for tobacco. T'other half
+Betsey and the young ones have scraped together by odd jobs. You see
+Betsey has took a notion to have a home of her own, and so we've all
+put to, to help it on."</p>
+
+<p>"Capital!" exclaimed the gentleman, warmly. "It shows a great deal of
+character to get rid of a habit of long standing. I dare say it was a
+good deal of a trial to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Every word you say is true, sir. It was a tough job, as Betsey could
+testify. But Allen told me he'd got through it, and I thought it mean
+in me to be behind another."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll take the money, and do the business for you with pleasure. And
+here is ten dollars toward the second hundred. Betsey may tell the wife
+of any of my men that I will do the same by them, when they have proved
+themselves to be in earnest, as you have. You say there is a strip of
+ground for a garden-patch?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir; and Bob is old enough to mind it."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, remember, when you are ploughing in the spring, to turn over
+the loam with the oxen. You can raise a fine crop of vegetables with a
+little care."</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks to you, sir, and Betsey 'll say the same."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_15">CHAPTER XV.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>AFFIDAVIT.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>LETTERS from Lizzie, who had returned to N— for another year, informed
+her father that Mr. Greenough had cleared the meadow running for half a
+mile along by the river, and had planted it over with cranberry vines,
+from which he expected a great return of profit. To be sure, he had
+been obliged to make a large outlay, and there would be the expense
+of picking, but one season of only moderate yield would pay for all.
+Lizzie knew nothing whatever of her father's project. If she had, she
+would have told him that the present owner would not sell the farm for
+twice the sum he gave. She little realized, when she wrote the above,
+with what a pang her father would read her letter. Yet, strange to say,
+it did not discourage him.</p>
+
+<p>"After all," he said to Mary, "it's only putting money in my pocket;
+for something tells me I shall have the old place yet."</p>
+
+<p>In his answer to his daughter, he wrote her to keep him informed of
+everything connected with the dear old homestead.</p>
+
+<p>The next week Lizzie wrote, among other events,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I must tell you that Matilda Fish, the daughter of the rumseller I
+used to dislike so much, comes to my school. Though her father is
+reputed to be rich, she dresses very ordinarily, and seems painfully
+aware of her position. Through his means, many a man has drank up
+everything he was worth, and there is a feeling of burning indignation
+toward him among the best part of the community. I pity Matilda,
+because I can see that she feels herself neglected on account of her
+father's crimes, and have taken pains to render her situation more
+pleasant.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"At recess, instead of joining in their plays, she always comes to
+my desk to talk with me about her lessons. Many a pear, peach, and
+bunch of grapes she has brought me, until I made her confess she had
+saved her own portion of luxuries for that purpose. To-day she acted
+strangely, and I can't think what to make of it. It happened that,
+except a little urchin who had violated the rules and was paying the
+penalty by staying in, we were alone in the schoolroom. I noticed that
+she was very pale, and said, kindly,—<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'You are ill, Matilda?'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'No, not ill, Miss Allen,' she answered, quickly, the bright color
+spreading over her face and neck,—'not ill, but—'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'But what? Can't you tell me your troubles?'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'It isn't about myself. If it were, I would never say a word,—no,
+never!'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"She spoke with passionate energy, such as I had never seen in her
+before.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'I can't tell what's right to do,' she went on, beginning to cry.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'I will help you, Matilda, if I can, but you must tell me frankly all
+about it.'<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'You can't, you can't! I dare not tell! I must go home!' And, hiding
+her face in her hands, she left me.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Poor child! I'm afraid she has trials with her father. I will comfort
+her all I can. This afternoon she was not in her seat.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Later. I have just heard that Mr. Fish kept the whole neighborhood
+awake last night in a fit of delirium tremens. This explains Matilda's
+conduct. How my heart aches for her!"<br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Two, three weeks, a month passed. Mr. Allen was busier than usual in
+the nursery, setting out new stock, and getting everything ready for
+winter. Two letters had been received from Lizzie in which she did not
+mention Mr. Fish. But one morning, Jamie brought a letter from the
+office, which read as follows:—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"FATHER,—come here as quick as you can. Mr. Fish is dying, and
+continually calls for you. He has something on his conscience, and says
+he can't die easy till he's confessed it. Matilda has told me some
+things, but I can't believe they're true. Don't wait a minute after you
+receive this, if you would be in time.<br>
+<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 14em;">"LIZZIE."</span><br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Allen grew pale as she read, but, rallying, sent Jamie to the
+field to summon his father. The train went at half-past eight. It now
+only wanted fifteen minutes of that time. With nervous haste, the woman
+ran to the closet, and took down her husband's Sunday suit. Then,
+throwing a clean shirt, etc., etc., into a bag, she ran to the door to
+meet him.</p>
+
+<p>"Take this letter, and read it as you go along," she cried, her chin
+quivering with excitement. "You haven't a minute if you want to reach
+the morning train. Fish is dying. I can't imagine what the wicked man
+wants of you."</p>
+
+<p>"I can." The words came thick and husky. "I have felt it all along. God
+help me if I'm too late! Good-by."</p>
+
+<p>He ran along, and, springing over a wall, was out of sight in a moment,
+leaving Mary and the children gazing in the direction he had taken, and
+wondering what it all could mean.</p>
+
+<p>"Father said he knew!" exclaimed Ned. "I wonder he didn't tell us."
+While Bell sank into a chair, and began to cry.</p>
+
+<p>"I am afraid father will be put in prison," sobbed little Fred. "I wish
+he hadn't gone."</p>
+
+<p>Leaving them still excited and wondering, Mrs. Allen sought her
+own room, where she knelt down, and, as she had often done before,
+commended her husband to the care of her almighty Friend. Then, calmed
+by this exercise, she returned quietly to her household duties.</p>
+
+<p>The children, seeing her tranquillity, began to make preparations for
+school, Jamie first going to find Mr. Burrel, and announce to the
+gentleman that his father had been suddenly called away.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>When Mr. Allen reached his native town, without a moment's delay, he
+hurried down the familiar street to the house of the dying man. On his
+way, he was obliged to pass his old home, but he scarcely noticed it;
+his thoughts were too intensely anxious concerning the coming interview.</p>
+
+<p>A crowd of men were standing on the piazza outside the bar-room, but
+that was nothing unusual. He quickened his steps, and soon was standing
+on the threshold which had so nearly proved the ruin of his soul and
+his body. Staggering with excitement, he addressed one of the men, a
+stranger to himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Mr. Fish living?"</p>
+
+<p>"No; he died half an hour ago. The bell's just done tolling his
+age,—sixty-two."</p>
+
+<p>Without another word, Mr. Allen turned and walked away.</p>
+
+<p>"Too late, too late!" he repeated. "O God, help me to bear it!"</p>
+
+<p>He turned his steps mechanically toward the house where his daughter
+boarded, but suddenly checked himself, as he remembered that at this
+hour she would be in school. On arriving there, however, he found only
+two or three children playing about the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Where is Lizzie—Miss Allen—your teacher?" he asked, hurriedly.</p>
+
+<p>"She's gone home with a scholar who is sick. Mr. Greenough came and
+carried them, and dismissed the school."</p>
+
+<p>He turned away sick at heart; he felt faint and giddy, too, from
+over-excitement. He stood still a moment, wondering what he should
+do next, and whether he had not better take the return train home,
+when the thought of Lizzie's disappointment detained him. Suddenly
+remembering that he had not asked where the sick child lived, he turned
+back, but the children were out of sight. There was nothing now to do
+but to return to the depot and take the back train.</p>
+
+<p>Walking slowly on, he met a gentleman standing in earnest conversation
+with some one who was in a covered buggy. The horse was going the other
+way, so that he could not have seen who it was, even if he had desired.
+But his only object being at the moment to escape observation, he was
+hurrying past them, when his steps were arrested by the words,—</p>
+
+<p>"I told Lizzie he couldn't be expected by this early train."</p>
+
+<p>The voice was familiar, and, turning back, the recognition was mutual.
+Dr. Greenough cordially extended his hand, and then introduced his
+father.</p>
+
+<p>"I am looking for Lizzie," said Mr. Allen, trying to speak calmly.</p>
+
+<p>"She is at Mr. Fish's. I have just left her there."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Fish is dead I hear."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. Did you learn nothing more?"</p>
+
+<p>"Only that I was too late to answer his summons."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Allen," said Mr. Greenough, taking his hand, "I have just come
+from the death-bed of Mr. Fish, where I listened to a confession which
+nearly concerns you and me."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank God, then, he did make it!" murmured Mr. Allen, devoutly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I took a deposition from his lips only two hours before he
+breathed his last."</p>
+
+<p>"Was he perfectly conscious?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would be for my interest, I suppose, to say that he was in a fit
+of 'mania a potu,' but I must honestly confess that he appeared sane,
+and in earnest in endeavoring to repair the wrong he had done you.
+You must come home with me and get dinner. My son Horace will make it
+convenient, I dare say, to bring Lizzie there too."</p>
+
+<p>The two walked slowly on, by tacit consent avoiding the subject which
+engrossed them both, while the doctor rode off rapidly in the opposite
+direction.</p>
+
+<p>When they were seated in the parlor, which was so changed by French
+windows and gilded paper that Mr. Allen scarcely recognized it, the
+other gentleman said, gravely,—</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you do not know that I am a justice of the peace. I know a
+little of law, but am not yet prepared to say what offer it will be
+right for me to make you."</p>
+
+<p>"Offer!" repeated Mr. Allen. "I don't understand you, sir."</p>
+
+<p>"Excuse me, but I wholly forgot that you are entirely ignorant, as yet,
+of what Fish confessed. Here is his affidavit, which I will read you."</p>
+
+<p>He took from his breast-pocket a folded paper, and began,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I, Abner Fish, being on my death-bed, and realizing that in a short
+time I must appear before God, and wishing, as far as in me lies, to
+die at peace with all men, do now on oath declare that, in the year
+18—, I forged Joseph Allen's signature to a deed, caused by me to be
+drawn up, conveying to me his farm and the houses and barns on the
+same in payment of pretended indebtedness to me, which indebtedness
+did not cover one seventh part of the amount; that I afterward showed
+the signature to said Joseph Allen, who refused utterly to credit the
+account, or to believe that he had put his name thereto; that, by means
+of threats of personal violence, I persuaded him that he had done this
+while under the influence of liquor, and I then took him with me before
+Squire Harwood, justice of the peace, to bear testimony to his forged
+signature; that he did bear testimony under compulsion, and therefore
+that the property in said farm, houses, and barns on it belongs to
+said Joseph Allen, the title to them not being valid when conveyed by
+me to H. H. Greenough; that Mr. Allen's true bill for liquor was six
+hundred and forty-five dollars instead of seven thousand as I told him;
+that the same will be found in true charges on my books, and that my
+last wish and desire is that, by my dying confession, I may restore
+the rights and property of a man whom I have wickedly defrauded, and
+therefore I hereby direct my executors to pay to said H. H. Greenough
+the balance of the money he paid me above my real and true title to the
+said farmhouses and barns thereon, and so may God have mercy on my soul.<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Subscribed and sworn to on this twentieth day of October, in the year
+of our Lord 18—<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Before me,<br>
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"JOSHUA HARWOOD, 'Justice
+ of the Peace.'"<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Allen, who had started from his chair, and stood breathless while
+the reading was going on, now fell back unable to utter a syllable.</p>
+
+<p>"Does this statement accord with your recollection?" inquired Mr.
+Greenough, after a long pause, in which both were occupied with their
+own thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>"Perfectly. I cannot deny that I visited Fish's bar far too often for
+the welfare either of my soul or body. But when he brought me a deed
+conveying all my property to him in payment for a long account on his
+books, I was bewildered, and had no words sufficient to express my
+anger. This property had been in our family under the same name for
+several generations; and he says true that I would not for an instant
+credit the idea that I had signed it away. But I was in his power,
+and I could not escape. Week after week, and sometimes day after
+day, he tormented me and my family with threats of imprisonment, of
+violence, if I did not go with him and bear testimony to the fact of my
+signature. At last, we did go, Mary and I, like martyrs to the stake,
+where I sullenly and defiantly bore witness to my supposed signature.
+Fish had agreed if I would do this, to allow me as much whiskey as I
+could drink for a month, the time I was allowed to stay in the house,
+and also a part of the stock, which, under one false pretence and
+another, he had got into his hands.</p>
+
+<p>"The month passed. I was a beggar with a wife and nine children
+dependent on me for support, but I had abandoned the cup, and become a
+sober man. I had formerly been respected by all; now I was disgraced,
+and I left the place, resolving never to enter it again. By and by
+hope began to dawn on me; I sought the pardon of God, and then began
+to inquire whether it were possible for me to earn enough to buy back
+my inheritance. I knew you had bought it, and were making expensive
+improvements, but still I did not despair. My wife encouraged me,
+I suppose, because she saw my heart was so greatly set on it; and
+both she and my children have taken hold in earnest to stop the leak
+occasioned by my intemperance. At this moment I have five hundred and
+fifty dollars laid by toward the purchase, beside the offer from Mrs.
+Mercy Lovell of two thousand dollars whenever I was ready to make you a
+proposition."</p>
+
+<p>This simple story, told with tearful eyes and earnest gestures, was
+not without its effect on the gentleman. He had not once imagined that
+it would make any difference to him except the drawing out of a new
+deed, and paying the money over to Joseph Allen instead of Abner Fish,
+with perhaps a small bonus to satisfy all parties. But here was the
+original owner, proved to be the present owner, with money in hand to
+pay the bill to the estate of his former creditor, and wishing to take
+possession. These thoughts flashed like lightning on his mind, while,
+his visitor was talking, and caused him to say,—</p>
+
+<p>"But, Mr. Allen, this property is worth more than twice as much as
+when I purchased it. I have sunk a good many thousand dollars in
+improvements. The cranberry meadow, formerly yielding twenty tons of
+hay, is now worth more than the whole farm was in your time; I mean in
+the way of profit. Why, I hope to realize several thousand dollars this
+fall, if the frost keeps off two or three weeks longer."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Allen started, as if about to speak, but checked himself, and at
+this moment he heard Lizzie's voice in the hall, asking,—</p>
+
+<p>"Where is he, Horace?"</p>
+
+<p>He turned and caught her in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>After answering half a dozen questions, which she asked all in a
+breath, he turned to Mr. Greenough, and said,—</p>
+
+<p>"As this subject is new to both of us, I propose that we defer any
+attempt to settle until to-morrow. I am excited, and wish to have time
+to think. I shall stay with my daughter to-night, and will be ready to
+meet you as early as you please in the morning."</p>
+
+<p>"I wholly agree with you," was the cordial reply. "It is rather sudden,
+I acknowledge, for a man who arose this morning, thinking he had a
+pleasant home arranged exactly to his liking, to find before dinner
+that it has all slipped from under his feet."</p>
+
+<p>"Or to find, as I have," was the humble reply, "that, by the mercy of
+God, the consequences of my former sinful habits have not been equal to
+my fears."</p>
+
+<p>At dinner the conversation was general, and, during the half-hour they
+stayed after it, the peculiar situation of the parties was not once
+referred to.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_16">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>THE RESTORED HOME.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>EARLY the following morning, Mr. Allen walked up the winding avenue
+which his successor had laid out in front of the house, and gazed
+with delight at the clusters of shade trees which adorned the
+smoothly-shaven lawn. This had formerly been an enclosed field for
+mowing. But by a new arrangement, the whole had been thrown open as far
+as the public street, leaving an elegant lawn in front, through which
+two side avenues wound their way to the front entrance. The man had an
+eye to the beautiful, and could thoroughly appreciate the good taste
+which marked every arrangement.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Greenough met him at the door and asked, with a smile, how he liked
+the grounds.</p>
+
+<p>"I could scarcely have believed they were capable of so much
+improvement. That rock, where my children used to play with their
+dolls, under the shade of the friendly butternut is vastly prettier
+with its rustic seats. Indeed, it looks quite ornamental, and makes me
+blush that I ever thought of drilling and blasting it out."</p>
+
+<p>"I must go over the farm with you after a while, but come in now. Here
+is my son Willie waiting to be introduced to the father of his teacher.
+He was absent yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"I am glad, Willie," said the stranger, "to have an opportunity to
+thank you for your defence of my daughter. She wrote me about it."</p>
+
+<p>The lad laughed merrily, exhibiting a row of beautifully white teeth.
+"I liked her," he said, archly, "because she wasn't afraid of the big
+boys."</p>
+
+<p>"And you'll be happy to own her as a sister," added his father.</p>
+
+<p>"Wont I, though? But it will seem queer to call her Lizzie, as she says
+I must then."</p>
+
+<p>Turning to the table, Mr. Greenough said,—</p>
+
+<p>"I have prepared a schedule of expenses incurred by me since I bought
+the farm, copied from my books, setting aside the land I have added to
+the original deed. It amounts in all to four thousand two hundred and
+fifty dollars, including expense for cranberry-plants. From one year's
+experience in this last, I am sure that in a short time I could realize
+a fortune more than sufficient to pay me back every cent I have spent
+here. It seems reasonable that I should have some return for all I have
+done here; and yet I can't expect you to pay for improvements you did
+not authorize."</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Greenough," exclaimed Mr. Allen, warmly, "I profess to be governed
+by Christian principles. I prayed last night that I might be enabled to
+do right in this whole business,—to obey the Golden Rule, and do to you
+as I should wish you to do by me, were our circumstances reversed. I am
+aware, as you say, that I might claim the farm at once, but I have come
+to the conclusion to make you two propositions, with either of which I
+shall be satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>"First, that you continue on the place, rent free, for five years, on
+the sole condition of keeping the farm up to its present condition of
+productiveness, and at the end of that time leave all to me.</p>
+
+<p>"Or, that you remain here until next June, which will give you time to
+build a new house on your own land and adjoining mine, and have the
+profits of the meadow lot for eight years."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Greenough considered for a moment, and then answered, promptly,
+"There is scarcely a doubt that I shall accept the latter proposition,
+which I consider a very generous one. I like the locality, and am so
+confident of success that I am willing to give my whole attention
+to raising cranberries for the market. As I am making provision for
+flooding the meadow in case of sudden frost, I can hardly fail to make
+it very profitable."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall be most happy to have you for a neighbor," was the pleased
+reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Till June, then, I continue here, as if nothing had occurred?"</p>
+
+<p>"Of course, it would be better for me to take the farm earlier, but I
+reckoned on giving you time enough."</p>
+
+<p>"Just so. I agree, then, to plough and plant as if I expected to get in
+a harvest."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, sir. I may, perhaps, suggest some slight changes in the crops, or
+I may not. If you can vacate in April or May, so much the better for
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"That is scarcely possible. I must be busy after this. I little
+expected to build a house this year. Now we will take a walk around the
+farm. I will draw the paper, after you leave, and send them to you for
+signing."</p>
+
+<p>The last year's experience had enabled Mr. Allen to judge of good
+farming as he had never done before. He was delighted with everything,
+and did not hesitate to express his approval in the warmest terms.
+As he went through one field after another, his heart swelled with
+gratitude to his heavenly Father, who had ordered his path in so
+much mercy. He left for home in the noon train, after having made
+arrangements with one of the executors of Mr. Fish's will, to send him
+a check for money due the estate.</p>
+
+<p>When he reached G—, and came in sight of the pretty cottage, where
+the last year or two had been so happily passed, his emotions almost
+overpowered him.</p>
+
+<p>"I can ask Mary to forgive me then for all the trials I have brought on
+her," he said to himself, "when I can take her to that beautiful home."</p>
+
+<p>The children had just returned from school, and at the sound of his
+voice came flocking around him, eager to hear the news.</p>
+
+<p>Trying to speak calmly, he called the whole family to his side and gave
+them a brief detail of the facts as I have related them, Mary's face
+growing whiter and whiter with the excitement of the story, until her
+head sunk on her husband's shoulder, and she faintly whispered,—</p>
+
+<p>"How good God is! I felt sure it was not for evil that you were called
+so suddenly away."</p>
+
+<p>"Lizzie wanted to come home with me, to help you bear the joy," the
+father said, "but she couldn't leave her school, and Matilda can
+scarcely bear her out of sight."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, husband! Did you find out what Matilda was crying for?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; and we owe the poor girl a great debt, but I must tell you.</p>
+
+<p>"Matilda, who is an only child, slept in the next room to her father.
+He has no wife, you know, and he often used to call out to her to
+come in and drive out the devils that were dancing about the chamber.
+This was the effect of his drinking, and is one of the terrible evils
+resulting from it. She told Lizzie one morning that she used often to
+hear my name, like this:—</p>
+
+<p>"'Joseph Allen, go away! I wont have you here tormenting me before the
+time!'</p>
+
+<p>"At last, one night he raved so, she did not sleep a minute. The
+wretched man thought I was there upbraiding him, and kept shrieking
+out,—</p>
+
+<p>"'You shall have it back! I know I ruined you! Go away; you'll have it
+when I die!'</p>
+
+<p>"Lizzie consulted the doctor who was his physician, and he bade her
+tell Matilda to ask him if he would confess what he had done to injure
+me.</p>
+
+<p>"'No,' he screamed, 'I never, never will.'</p>
+
+<p>"But she continually urged him, saying,—</p>
+
+<p>"'He will forgive you; and then you will not have these dreadful
+visions.'</p>
+
+<p>"Dr. Greenough told her one day that her father could live but a short
+time, when she again urged him to confess, from which moment he never
+ceased calling,—</p>
+
+<p>"'Joseph Allen! Come quick, or it will be too late!'</p>
+
+<p>"Lizzie was at his side through his last night, and sent for Mr.
+Greenough and Squire Harwood to come and receive his deposition, as the
+doctor feared his patient would not be alive when I reached G—."</p>
+
+<p>"I shall always love Matilda," said Bell, earnestly. "I wouldn't speak
+to her when I lived in our dear old home."</p>
+
+<p>"Who will take care of the poor girl?" inquired Mrs. Allen.</p>
+
+<p>"Lizzie is with her now, and will do all she can."</p>
+
+<p>"Tell about the house, father," cried Bell, pressing closer to him.
+"What is it like?"</p>
+
+<p>"There is not a place in town to compare with it."</p>
+
+<p>"What, pa, not the great house where Mr. Burrel lives?" asked Jamie.</p>
+
+<p>"No; it is handsomer and more modern than that."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, goody, goody!" screamed the child, dancing and clapping his hands
+with delight.</p>
+
+<p>"Can't I learn to play on the piano, father, when we get there?" asked
+Carrie, coaxingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, child; you and all the rest shall have every advantage of
+education. That was one of my first thoughts. What do you think John
+and Aunt Mercy will say?"</p>
+
+<p>"Or Mr. Burrel and all the folks here? Mayn't I go and tell them,
+father?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my child, not at present. I shall tell Mr. Burrel myself soon that
+he may look out for another gardener. For the present we shall go on
+exactly as we have before."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't it splendid, Carrie?" exclaimed Bell, when, at her request, her
+father had described the parlors, front hall, and dining-room, the only
+apartments he had entered. "I can hardly wait till spring."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm not sure that I wouldn't have preferred our home as it was,"
+faltered Mary, her eyes glistening. "I'm afraid it will all seem
+strange."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, it did to me at first, but when I went into the fields, by the
+big elm-trees, and the willow hedge near the creek, there was a rush
+of old memories. I'll tell you what, wife, I seem to be living in a
+dream,—a pleasant one, indeed. We must be careful that prosperity does
+not turn our hearts from God."</p>
+
+<p>"I'm sure, father," faltered Bell, laughing, "I never felt half so much
+like loving him."</p>
+
+<p>"It is well, my daughter, when the goodness of God leads us to
+penitence. I remember with deep sorrow that I needed adversity and
+trial before my heart acknowledged him as my ruler. Now, children, to
+your work. I shall never regret anything but the sins which caused our
+poverty since it has led you all to form habits of industry."</p>
+
+<p>"We sha'n't have to work when we get to that handsome house; shall we,
+father?" eagerly asked Jamie.</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure we shall; I give you leave to be idle, though, when you
+see your mother sit down and fold her hands. If you were all to stop
+working, you'd soon be in mischief. Don't you remember your mother's
+favorite hymn?—</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+<br>
+"'For Satan finds some mischief still<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For idle hands to do.'<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>"And pretty soon there'll be another leak in our fortunes. Now we will
+have supper, and then I will go and see Mr. Burrel about the work."</p>
+
+<p>"Shall you tell him to-night, father?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Carrie, I think not, unless he asks me what detained me from home.
+We must all remember that, although we have a fine house and extensive
+barns, we have little furniture and only one cow to put in them. My
+father used to keep two yoke of oxen. I see Mr. Greenough uses both
+oxen and mules."</p>
+
+<p>"But you have lots of money, father, that you have earned here," cried
+Ned.</p>
+
+<p>"My boy," said the father, sorrowfully, "I am mortified to be obliged
+to tell you that the money we have all earned with so much labor
+and pains-taking must go to pay a bill I ought not to have run up,
+otherwise the house would not be ours."</p>
+
+<p>"No matter, pa; we'll all help you earn more. Boll and Carrie can get
+in apples when school is done, and Ned and I will dig potatoes and pull
+turnips as fast as we can. Before June we can have time to earn ever so
+many dollars."</p>
+
+<p>At breakfast the next morning, Mr. Allen said,—</p>
+
+<p>"I have a plan to propose. It is this: that each of you girls should
+try to earn, between this and June, a set of furniture, such as you
+would wish in your own chambers. John shall furnish a room, too, which
+he shall occupy when he visits us, while the boys may club together and
+buy a horse."</p>
+
+<p>"Goody, goody! I'll do it!" shouted Jamie. "We'll buy a black one, and
+call him Bucephalus, like Alexander's horse we read about at school."</p>
+
+<p>"And what will ma do with her money? She earns more than any of us,
+with her butter and cheese."</p>
+
+<p>"She may furnish one of the parlors if she pleases, Bell. I have a
+secret use for the north parlor and the chamber over it, which you will
+all know in due time."</p>
+
+<p>Later in the day Mr. Allen sought his employer, who was absent the
+previous evening, and informed him of the change in his prospects.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Burrel listened with profound attention, and when he had done,
+said,—</p>
+
+<p>"I congratulate you most heartily; and yet there is a feeling,—a
+selfish one, I fear,—that I shall be obliged to give up a gardener who
+suits me in every particular."</p>
+
+<p>"It was about that I wish to speak to you, sir. I feel an interest
+here, where I and my family have been so kindly treated. I know a
+man whom I can recommend as honest and faithful, who has a taste for
+nursery business. A few months' experience, with the teaching I can
+give him, would, I think, insure you a good hand."</p>
+
+<p>"What is his name?"</p>
+
+<p>"Robert Carter."</p>
+
+<p>"Carter! Why, he is a surly, snappish fellow, whom I always dread to
+speak to, whose children have been a torment,—a man I kept more out of
+charity to him than from any other motive."</p>
+
+<p>"That was formerly his character, sir. But I think you will agree with
+me that there has been a great change in all of them. His wife has
+grown neat and ambitious, and the children are as anxious to work as
+they were formerly to rob hen-roosts."</p>
+
+<p>"All your influence, Allen. When you and your wife are gone, he'll
+relapse into his old way."</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think he showed a good deal of character when he left off
+using tobacco and beer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I acknowledge that I thought then he was more of a man than I'd
+imagined."</p>
+
+<p>"He has a surly way of speaking, but it's more in manner than feeling.
+I've had him in the nursery when I was pressed for time, and found he
+had a native aptness for the business. I should like to have you try
+him, sir."</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Burrel paused, and then said,—</p>
+
+<p>"There is another objection. Betsey knows nothing about dairy work."</p>
+
+<p>"I pledge my word that Mary will teach her to make good butter and
+cheese."</p>
+
+<p>The gentleman smiled. "Since you are so determined," he said, "I
+suppose I must consent, but I dread to tell my wife of the change."</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_17">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>DANGER AND COURAGE.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>WE must now pass over three years in the history of our friends.
+Harry Everett is four years old, a bright, beautiful boy, of whom
+any mother might be proud. Words fail me when I attempt to describe
+this child. With perfect boyish instincts,—indeed, quite a romp at
+outdoor frolics,—there is a maturity and precociousness about him which
+impresses every one with the feeling "he has not long for this world."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not believe," said a visitor at Mr. Everett's, "the doctrine I
+learned when a child from the numerous biographies of boys and girls,
+that all the good children die young, and that only wicked ones live
+to grow up. But I do believe that often our heavenly Father sees a
+plant in his earthly garden of such peculiar beauty and grace that he
+determined to transplant it to his celestial garden. Upon this lovely
+nursling he bestows such degrees of care and tenderness as bring it
+forward to an early maturity, which all who are witnesses thereof
+wonder at and admire."</p>
+
+<p>Harry was of ordinary height, erect and graceful in figure. His head
+was of unusual size,—his broad, open brow being shaded by locks of
+chestnut hair, which fell in a shower of ringlets on his fair neck.
+His eyes, shaded by long, dark lashes, were hazel, bright, but not
+flashing, with often a pensive, thoughtful expression unusual in a
+child of his years. His nose was straight and well formed, while the
+small mouth, full-parted lips, and dimpled chin were expressive of both
+sweetness and decision of character. Harry was naturally passionate,
+energetic, and full of enthusiasm. The first trait was early
+restrained, or rather he was taught to exercise self-control, so that a
+stranger would never have imagined him easily moved to anger.</p>
+
+<p>As a foundation for a good character, Lily learned from her Bible she
+must teach her child obedience,—prompt, unasking, cheerful obedience
+and perfect truthfulness; and this by the aid of prayer she succeeded
+in doing at a very early period. When he was only twenty months old,
+Lily took him with her to call upon a friend who also had a little son.
+When she rose to leave, the lady asked him to give her a parting kiss,
+which he readily did.</p>
+
+<p>"Kiss the little boy, too, Harry," said his mother.</p>
+
+<p>The boy shook his shoulders and made no advances.</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma wants you to kiss little Frankey," Lily said, firmly.</p>
+
+<p>Harry looked gravely at the boy, but still refused.</p>
+
+<p>"Never mind," urged the lady, "he'll do it another time."</p>
+
+<p>The mother thought otherwise. "If I allow him to disobey me now," she
+said, softly, "it will be more difficult next time for him to obey."</p>
+
+<p>She took his hand, led him off a few steps and whispered in his ear,
+when he instantly walked up to Frankey and gave him a cordial kiss.
+She appealed to his love for her and his desire to please her, and was
+successful.</p>
+
+<p>Harry's health, which, though good, was never firm, prevented him from
+being put to his books, but this want was more than supplied by the
+eagerness with which he listened to stories of children and animals,
+and particularly to stories from the Bible. Hour after hour he would
+sit drinking in the inspired words,—the stories of Abraham, Moses,
+Joseph, and all the worthies of the Old Testament being as familiar to
+him as household names. But what moved his tender heart more than all
+other reading was the story of the God Man, born in a manger, nurtured
+in a carpenter's shop, visiting the temple, asking questions of the
+doctors, his mission of love to all men, and, finally, his death on the
+cross. These sacred truths stole insensibly into his heart, and at a
+very early age began to influence his whole character.</p>
+
+<p>"You need not tell me to say my prayers," he often said as his mother
+was unrobing him for the night. "I always remember." And running to his
+little chair, he would pour out his heart in childish petitions to his
+heavenly Father, a being he had been taught to love and not to fear.</p>
+
+<p>Harry was not now an only child. In his fourth year, a little sister
+came to share his parents' love; and never was there a more tender,
+affectionate brother. Sweet little Paulina gave him her first smile,
+and learned before she was three months old to recognize his voice in
+the hall, and would turn her dainty head to catch the first glimpse of
+him as he entered the room.</p>
+
+<p>Contrary to the opinion of most of her friends, Lily proved to be a
+firm, judicious mother. Though so young when married, yet she had
+witnessed too often the anxious care which mothers brought upon
+themselves by neglecting to train their children according to the
+Scripture rules, and she made it her earnest prayer that she might be
+guided in the right course. What was wanting in experience was made up
+from the fountain of wisdom, from which all are permitted to draw. Can
+we wonder that the result was as nearly a model of perfection as is
+ever seen among depraved humanity?</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Everett does not now live in the stone cottage where we last saw
+him. Three years ago, he removed a mile nearer to his business in the
+city, to a house he had purchased on a new street, with an ornamental
+park in front. The house was in a block built of brick, with a granite
+front, and iron railings to the nicely-cut steps. It had large, airy
+rooms, well, but not expensively, furnished, and containing every
+modern improvement. A few well-chosen pictures adorned the walls, and
+some choice articles of "bijouterie," tastefully arranged by Lily's
+skilful hands, gave an air of refinement to the dwelling.</p>
+
+<p>The young matron herself is changed, and yet the same. There is still
+the fresh, beaming face and sweet smile, sometimes breaking out into a
+musical laugh, as light and "abandon" as ever; but there is a deeper,
+holier light in her eye, an expression of thoughtfulness at times on
+her features which is very becoming. One trait has been discovered in
+her which even those who loved her best did not imagine her to possess.
+Shielded from her infancy from the least semblance of danger, when
+she was married, it was natural for her to look to her husband for
+guidance and protection. As we have seen, she shrunk from encountering
+the servants after their dishonesty had been discovered. But as her
+character, especially her Christian character, matured, she grew more
+self-possessed and self-reliant. These traits showed themselves in a
+degree in her every-day duties, but circumstances were to prove that,
+united to her confiding, trusting disposition, there was also firmness
+and resolution to meet the emergencies of the hour.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. and Mrs. Percival had been returned from Paris nearly three years,
+he having been far more successful than he had at first expected in
+saving his fortune. Taught by experience, however, they never again
+entered on such a life of fashion and display, but took a house similar
+to Mr. Everett's, only two squares distant.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Mercy divided her time between her own home and her nephew's, but
+was at this period in N—.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>One afternoon Mr. Everett returned to dinner an hour earlier than
+common, having received a telegram from his aunt, who had been
+suddenly taken ill, and wished to see him. His plan was to take the
+early afternoon train, which would leave him at his destination about
+half-past three, and return, if possible, at eight, reaching home a
+little before midnight.</p>
+
+<p>He brought from his store a large packet of bank-notes, which he asked
+her to put carefully away, remarking that he had just taken them from
+the bank in order to pay a bill, when the telegram was given to him.</p>
+
+<p>Lily reached out her hand doubtfully, which led him to say, with a
+laugh,—"If you are afraid to have so much money in the house, send
+Maggie with it over to your father."</p>
+
+<p>"No, I'm not afraid," was her quiet answer. "How much is there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Twenty-one hundred dollars."</p>
+
+<p>"I'll put it in the closet in my room with the silver," she answered.
+"It will be perfectly safe there."</p>
+
+<p>It was quite cool weather; and Mr. Everett had scarcely buttoned on his
+outside coat, and bade her a hasty adieu, before Lily was summoned to
+the kitchen to see a poor man, who wanted food.</p>
+
+<p>Taking Harry by the hand, she went below, and found, sitting near the
+kitchen fire, one of the most repulsive-looking men she had ever seen.
+His cap was torn, revealing hair grizzled and matted; his eyes were
+bloodshot, his face red and bloated; while his whole features wore a
+look of cunning painful to witness.</p>
+
+<p>He told a pitiful story of suffering, which completely conquered Lily's
+repugnance, notwithstanding the glances and signs of caution made by
+the shrewder Maggie.</p>
+
+<p>Bidding the girl prepare a bowl of tea as quickly as possible, with
+her own hands, this delicate, high-born lady, dressed the wounded hand
+which he exhibited, expressing words of sympathy and encouragement
+which might have softened the heart of a brute.</p>
+
+<p>When she had done this, and had seen him engaged in eating a hearty
+meal, she told him to sit near the fire till he was thoroughly warmed,
+and was leaving the kitchen, when she noticed a glance of triumph shoot
+from his eyes, for which she could not account.</p>
+
+<p>Maggie ran to the stairs after her.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish you'd bid him go at once," she said, earnestly. "There's an ill
+look about him,—a look which makes me think of murder and stealing."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush, Maggie! He'll hear you. I think he'll go presently."</p>
+
+<p>"But, ma'am, I'm afraid to stay alone with him, and I'm afraid to leave
+him. He might set the house on fire over our heads."</p>
+
+<p>"You're nervous, Maggie," the lady said, laughing, at the same time her
+thoughts recurring to the large sum of money she had in the house. She
+returned to the sitting-room followed by Harry, and, engaged with him
+and the baby, soon forgot her late visitor.</p>
+
+<p>Being alone, she retired to her room earlier than common, where,
+sitting before the bright fire, she hummed a soft air to Paulina, who
+was restless in her crib.</p>
+
+<p>As she sat there gently rocking the little sleeper, a sudden turn of
+her head led her to look toward the wall at the farther end of the
+chamber. The fire was burning brightly, but beside this there was
+little light, the nurse having turned the gas down when she went below.
+But there she saw, just above the canopy over her bed, the top of the
+soiled cap the beggar had worn, with the matted gray hair sticking
+through it.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment her breath stopped; the blood seemed frozen in her veins.
+But she was alone, and in the power of this brute, whose object, she
+could not doubt, was to obtain possession of the silver in her closet.
+Thoughts flew like lightning through her brain.</p>
+
+<p>"He must have stolen up here from the kitchen, and seen Maggie put
+the tray in the closet. But oh, the money! Why didn't I send it away?
+Perhaps he knew it was here. Yes, it was just after Lawrence went that
+he came. I took it from my husband in the hall, and he heard me say
+I should keep it here. Now what is to be done? Maggie and nurse have
+both gone to bed; and if they were here, what could three weak women do
+against such a brute as this? First of all, I must be calm, and appear
+calm." And with that, she began again to hum the rest of the verse:—</p>
+
+<p class="poem">
+<br>
+"Hush, my child, lie still in slumber,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Holy angels guard thy bed,<br>
+&nbsp;Heavenly blessings without number<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gently falling on thy head."<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Even during the singing, a plan was suggested to her. She ascribed it
+to her Father in heaven, who was even now watching over her and her
+little ones.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," she said to herself, "he must have heard Lawrence tell me there
+was twenty-one hundred dollars; that was the reason of his triumphant
+smile. Maggie distrusted him from the first. How did he get in here
+unseen?"</p>
+
+<p>She glanced timidly toward the bed. There the figure stood immovable as
+a statue.</p>
+
+<p>With a silent prayer for strength, and a countenance from which every
+shade of color had vanished, but with a look of noble resolve in her
+eye, she arose and began to prepare for bed.</p>
+
+<p>But first she turned up the gas, filling the room with light. And then,
+bringing the tray from the closet, she set it on the table and began
+to count the forks, spoons, and napkin-rings, to all appearances as
+unmoved as if nothing had occurred to terrify her.</p>
+
+<p>Taking them up in her hand, she went on: "Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen—I
+wonder what Maggie has done with the others! Oh, here they are among
+the forks! Twenty-three, twenty-four; that's all right!"</p>
+
+<p>Making as much display as possible of the coffee-urn, salver, and
+tea-set, she carried the whole back to the closet, taking the
+opportunity to slip the money into a high drawer, and pull out the key.</p>
+
+<p>After this, she slowly took off one garment after another. Her heart
+sometimes almost failed her, and then, being reassured by a short
+petition for strength, she put on her embroidered night-dress, and
+knelt down for her evening prayer.</p>
+
+<p>In a voice low, but perfectly distinct, she said,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Father, unto thy kind care I commit myself and those so dear to me.
+Protect me from all harm and danger. Let thy holy angels watch around
+my bed. Help all those who are in distress, and particularly those who
+are driven by their poverty into crime. Forgive all my many sins, for
+the sake of thy Son, my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen."<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>She arose, calmed by the exercise, without one glance toward the
+intruder, drew the crib across the floor near the bed, and then lay
+herself down, but not to rest.</p>
+
+<p>She feigned sleep, however, and soon heard a stealthy movement behind
+the couch. It was evident the robber thought his opportunity had come.</p>
+
+<p>Stealthily as a cat creeps toward his prey, he moved across the carpet
+toward the closet. Once only poor Lily dared to open her eyes; he was
+just entering the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Now is my time," she said to herself, and springing softly from her
+couch, she darted after him, shut the door with a bound, and locked it
+upon him.</p>
+
+<p>Then her strength all left her, and she sank almost fainting into a
+chair. But realizing that the danger was not yet over, she tried to
+rally, and, crawling to the window, raised the sash and screamed,
+"Murder! Murder!!" with all the strength her lungs would permit.</p>
+
+<p>The next step was to ring the chamber-bell for nurse, who soon appeared
+terrified beyond measure, and gave a more decided call for help. Maggie
+came and opened the door for the watch, who secured the villain, and,
+having put on handcuffs, carried him off to the station house, to await
+his trial.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<h3><a id="Chapter_18">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h3>
+
+<p class="t3">
+<b>LEAKS ALL STOPPED.</b><br>
+</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>MRS. LOVELL was not relieved from her sudden attack till the third day
+after her seizure, during which time her nephew did not leave her.
+Mrs. Allen and her daughter were also unwearied in their attentions.
+Mr. Everett had written two letters home, and was wondering he had not
+heard in return, when, on taking up a daily paper, he discovered the
+cause, with what mingled emotions of gratitude, pride, and horror the
+reader can easily imagine. The item was headed REMARKABLE PRESENCE OF
+MIND, and proceeded with a tolerably correct statement of facts, with
+names in full.</p>
+
+<p>"Well done, Lily!" he said aloud, in a tone of exultation, little
+realizing that her courage and self-possession had been followed by
+continued swoons, which had completely prostrated her nervous system.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Mercy was better, however, and urged his immediate return to his
+family.</p>
+
+<p>Lily's languid frame revived when she saw her husband standing by her
+bedside, and heard the words of fond praise which overflowed from his
+full heart.</p>
+
+<p>It was a week, however, before she recovered, and even then the sudden
+mention of her escape, with which every mouth was filled, caused her to
+tremble with excitement. One fact connected with the incident I must
+not forget to mention. During his trial the robber confessed that he
+had listened to the conversation between husband and wife, and watched
+his opportunity, while the family were at supper and Maggie waiting on
+them, to steal to the chamber and conceal himself. But so greatly was
+he affected by her simple prayer, trusting herself so fully to the care
+of God, that he resolved, whatever happened, not to injure her. If it
+had not been for this circumstance, connected with her kindness to him
+in the kitchen, his plan was to thrust a dagger into her heart as she
+lay sleeping, and then escape with his booty.</p>
+
+<p>And now, dear reader, in drawing this story to a close, I have only
+space to tell you in brief that, the leak in Mr. Everett's family being
+effectually stopped by prudent foresight and economy, he found himself
+at the end of ten years a rich man, owning ships and sending them to
+every sea. But, with all his riches, he never again launched into
+extravagance.</p>
+
+<p>Both he and Lily dreaded the dangers through which they had passed.
+Much of his time and money was spent in furthering the great benevolent
+objects of the day; while his lovely wife disbursed her charities on a
+more limited scale, often making Harry the almoner of her bounty.</p>
+
+<p>Aunt Mercy, after her illness, was persuaded to break up housekeeping
+and make her home with her nephew, though she furnished a room in Mr.
+Allen's commodious house, and in the summer made long visits there,
+usually accompanied by one or both of the children.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Allen's prediction concerning Robert Carter was fulfilled.
+Encouragement and judicious praise acts like a charm on some men, and
+he was one of them. When his friend related the circumstances which
+would lead to his own removal to his native town, and hinted that he
+might, if he wished, have the situation of gardener then to be vacant,
+he listened with a stupid stare of astonishment, while Betsey, with a
+flushed face, exclaimed,—"It's the first unkind thing I ever knew of
+you, Mr. Allen, to put thoughts in Robert's mind to unsettle him just
+as he was getting easy like."</p>
+
+<p>But when the other explained that he had already spoken to Mr. Burrel,
+who had consented that he should make a trial of his skill,—that he was
+immediately to leave the fall ploughing and go into the nursery, and
+that he should have all the advice necessary to get an insight into the
+business, his face lighted up with pleasure, and he expressed himself
+with great earnestness.</p>
+
+<p>"It's what I never thought of, and Betsey can testify to the same,
+but I'll do my best, you may be sure of that; and if there's anything
+in the world that I own, saving Betsey, that ye'd like, I'll make ye
+welcome to it with all my heart."</p>
+
+<p>"I didn't tell you all," resumed Mr. Allen, with a smile. "You're to
+live in the cottage, and Betsey is to go over there every day for a
+time to learn to make butter and cheese for the great house."</p>
+
+<p>"I daren't undertake it," modestly suggested the wife, blushing like a
+peony. "I'd neither get leave to eat or sleep with the worry."</p>
+
+<p>But she did undertake it after the necessary apprenticeship, and
+succeeded so well that Mrs. Burrel, in a letter she wrote Mrs. Allen a
+few months after their removal, said,—</p>
+
+<p class="letter">
+<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I never expected to eat such sweet butter as yours again until I
+accepted your invitation to visit you. But Betsey has proved so good a
+scholar that I cannot tell the difference, especially as she uses the
+same stamps that you did."<br>
+<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Burrel bought the cottage once so earnestly desired by the Carters
+for the use of his farmer, but advised his new gardener to leave the
+hundred dollars in his hands, where it would be earning interest, and
+make it the beginning of a sum for his old age.</p>
+
+<p>Before she left, Mrs. Allen impressed upon Bobby and the other children
+the duties that would be expected of them; and I am happy to say their
+time was so constantly occupied in showing Mr. Burrel that they could
+work as well as the young Allens that they found no opportunity for
+mischief.</p>
+
+<p><br></p>
+
+<p>Early in June following the death of Mr. Fish, Mr. Allen returned to
+the old homestead, but Mr. Greenough was not ready to vacate the house.
+His new buildings would not be completed until autumn, and he urged
+Mrs. Allen to allow his furniture to remain as it was, and take them
+all to board. This was at last agreed upon, and in July Dr. Greenough
+with his new wife also joined them, Lizzie's father having offered to
+give the young couple a start by boarding them for six months. Mrs.
+Greenough had two excellent servants who remained with Mary, so that
+she had ample time to revisit the old haunts about the farm, and make
+criticisms, if she wished, on the improvements.</p>
+
+<p>The cranberry season came on before the new house was ready, and a
+merry time it proved to be. Day after day the whole family—parents,
+children, and servants—were out in the meadow, their feet well guarded
+with india-rubber boots, picking, sorting, and gathering the fruit for
+market. The yield was enormous, and the profit turned out so great that
+Mr. Allen resolved before another year came round to have the adjoining
+piece of meadow drained and set over with plants.</p>
+
+<p>In the winter, Dr. Greenough received a visit from his friend, Horace
+Storm, who had married a pupil in the asylum with which he was
+connected, a lady with a large fortune, quite as pretty and fair more
+fascinating with her signs and demonstrative gestures, than the young
+miss who formerly lived at his father's.</p>
+
+<p>Matilda Fish, who had been the means, under Providence, of restoring
+Mr. Allen to his old home, inherited a fortune from her father. Soon
+after Lizzie went to housekeeping, she consented to take the young girl
+as a boarder, or rather to assume the care of her education, as her
+husband had of the fortune.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Allen, by his sound judgment and his high Christian character,
+rose high in the estimation of his townsmen. Once more he consented
+to become a candidate for town offices, but only that he might
+reform abuses in them, especially in the law relating to license for
+selling liquor. In the forty-third year of his age, he was the chosen
+representative to the Legislature of the State, and succeeded so well
+in securing respect to himself in that office that his townsmen wished
+to send him again, but he declined, being unwilling to leave his family
+for so long a period.</p>
+
+<p>As he had promised, he gave his children every advantage which he could
+afford, though he often told them that the discipline through which
+they had passed was of more value to them than any book learning.</p>
+
+<p>John Allen succeeded so well in business that he rose to be
+confidential clerk of the firm,—a position which brought him a good
+support and great respect. He continued to live with Mr. Everett, where
+he was regarded as a dear friend. Bell married a son of Mr. Burrel,
+and returned to G—, while Carrie became a music-teacher in a large
+school, and was greatly admired for her energy, sweetness of temper,
+and persevering industry.</p>
+
+<p>And now, dear reader, having shown you how a leak in your fortune may
+be stopped by prudence, economy, foresight, and industry, I must leave
+you with the hope that you will so learn to conduct your affairs that
+there will be no leak in your fortune.</p>
+
+<p><br><br><br></p>
+
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77089 ***</div>
+</body>
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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for eBook #77089
+(https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/77089)