happiness he enjoyed. Seated by the cheerful fireside, with his boy on his knee, and his wife near him busily employed with her needle, no monarch at the banquetboard feasted more generously of worldly cheer than he. And when the hour of rest approached, the open Bible attested the acknowledgment of thankful hearts. He felt that a home in the city, even if earned by incessant labor, was far different from a companionless, friendless residence among strangers. Mary was an excellent vest-maker; she found plenty of employment, and good wages. But it was not without the utmost industry and some self-sacrifice that she succeeded in obtaining profitable work. It was no easy thing for one brought up in competence and modest seclusion to seek employment from strangers. She was, however, shielded from the usual annoyances to which many a modest girl is subjected. Always accompanied by her husband, no insolent employer or impertinent clerk dared to trifle with her sensitiveness.

Mr. Fox fancied some business called him to town. He could not think of leaving without calling on his sister, whom he had not seen for more than a year. He had succeeded in prejudicing many worthy minds against her husband-giving them an impression of his want of stability, and his theoretical habits of thinking, so adverse to practical usefulness. He now was anxious to see the effects of their new life on Mary. It was his favorite adage that "Love flew out of the window when Poverty entered the door." The sneer faded from his lips as he stopped

before the porch of a neat frame dwelling, with a small court filled with fragrant shrubs in front, and the broad arms of a horse-chestnut towering above the rear gable. The knocker, bright as brass can be made, reflected his sour visage, as he gave a loud rap, that served as a sort of safety-valve to his pent-up envy. With an effort he placidly returned Mary's cordial greetings; and following her into a room which served as parlor and sitting-apartment, with one rapid glance saw that Love and Taste both condescended to remain in their humble home. His sister was thinner and paler than usual; but the serenity of her brow, and the brightness of her dark eyes, as yet undimmed with tears, checked his expected triumph, and cowered his mean soul. His nephew, rosy and healthy, was frolicking with a large dog in one corner of the room, while a kitten -fit emblem of himself—was walking toward them with stealthy step, to secure a bit of cake that had been dropped by the playful child. This stratagem was the only agreeable thing that transpired during his visit. Although unconscious of his villany, Mary understood her visiter, and his motive in calling. The brightest aspect was therefore skilfully turned toward him and he left her with his curiosity but partially satisfied, and his rancor aroused to the highest pitch. He had been completely baffled in his inquiries, while all around informed him of what he did not wish to know-that they were comfortable and contented. As he walked down the flower-bordered path, longing to demolish the gay-tinted beauties, he encoun

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tered Edwin, who with a friend was returning home. After the usual salutations, Fox, with an air of interest, inquired how he was succeeding in business. Introducing his friend as a prominent member of "the Order," Edwin informed the attorney that he was indebted to him for an excellent place in one of the first banks in the city. Fox looked as if a thunderbolt had fallen at his feet. After mumbling something about stability, keeping to one's trade, etc., the attorney broke away, and returned to Mwith all possible expedition. Arriving there, he whispered to those who he knew would proclaim it the loudest, that "he had found his sister very poor, pale, and thin; and that by the article in her hands, which she was anxious to conceal from him, it was evident she was working for the

slop-shops;' that Edwin had changed his business again, as he never could stick to one thing, and was roaming about the streets with idle fellows of the Order, while his wife was at home toiling," etc.

In the meantime, Edwin was seated by his fond wife, who was listening to his bright projects for the future, and praising his patience, which had met its just reward. The day after Fox's visit, he entered on his new duty at the bank. His income was now trebled; and, for a slight consideration, the family who occupied the residue of the little house were induced to leave, and Edwin and Mary took the whole to themselves. She had been acquainted some time with an orphan girl, who, lonely and deformed, seemed without a friend in the world, but had man

aged to support herself, with great difficulty, by plain sewing. Mary taught her to make vests, and, after the change in their circumstances, took her to live with them; and resigning the greater part of her business to the poor girl, at once rendered her independent and happy. In the orphan, she secured a true friend and intelligent associate. The girl had a distant relation in M -, poor, but honest and respectable. To her she frequently wrote of her happy condition; and through this channel, the calumnies of Fox were mostly refuted. Thus these excellent young people, by their benevolence and kindness to a friendless child, were unconsciously refuting the slanders of their enemies. Oh, why should man repine at injustice and wrong, or fear to suffer the worst that can befall him, since right so soon triumphs over error, and a beneficent Creator so surely succors the innocent, and heals the pangs that hallow, while they rend the pure in heart?

Several years passed by. The 'squire completed his magnificent house, but did not live to enjoy it. His son, a mere boy, inherited it. Fox had besieged the couch of his dying friend, in the hope of being made either guardian or executor. But he was disappointed; the 'squire knew the attorney's character too well. The excellent pastor of the village church was now the constant visiter and adviser of the dying man. Edwin was not forgotten; his cause was ably managed by the good clergyman. When the 'squire's will was read, the executor found that

it provided for full restitution to young Forrester. This was an unexpected piece of good fortune. Fox heard of it with dismay; but, on finding that he had not been betrayed, wrote a letter of congratulation to his brother-in-law. Not content with this, he determined to make a visit to the city, to express his delight in person.

There was something in the aspect of his sister's house that indicated trouble or sickness. The blinds were closely drawn, and unbroken stillness reigned around the house. Tan was spread before the door, and a cloth was tied around the knocker. Mary opened the door softly, before he had time to rap. Ushering him into a pretty parlor, she informed him that Edwin had severely wounded his foot, while splitting wood for the oven. He was better, but had suffered deeply. He was troubled with nervous headache, and they found it necessary to keep very quiet. With a most lugubrious face, Fox followed her to another room, where he found Edwin conversing with two friends. He was pale and emaciated, but evidently contented. These gentlemen had called, according to the rules of the Order, to render him all the assistance in their power.

Edwin looked faint as Fox entered. Resting his head on his hand, he awaited his approach; but the attorney halted, as if fearful of disturbing him. Standing in a distant part of the room, he surveyed the group. There was an expression on Edwin's face that the attorney did not. like. He evidently knew all. Withdrawing on tiptoe,