Year: 1861

IL was IN those days. " hat peace we enjoyed
Our two eldest children were born there; and
then cur limits seemed too small; but it was
real pain to both Of US to move from the abode
which had been the scene of so many calm
and peaceful hours.


We removed to a cottage in the suburbs Of
Boston; not those miniature cities which now
rise mp beside the veritable 1rimoantain, but a
small and obscure village, since risen to the
size and Importance It deserves.


About the time that we removed and got
quietly settled, a very important law case was
on the docket, and when It came on we were
very busy printing the reports of the trial as it
progressed. became immensely absorbed in
It, not so much from sympathy with the par
ties concerned as from feeling that, we're l ac~
quainted with the technicalities of the law, !
could seize upon many points of Importance
which believed the attorneys overlooked al
together. This idea grew stronger and strong
er upon my mind. l had access to law books
which we're IA my employers sanctum, and l
pored over them sometimes all night long.


Mr.. Russell lad been bred to the law, but
had relineaished bis procession for that of au
editor some years before tie birth Of ny vile.
I frankly stated to him my wishes in regard to
fitting myself for the bar.


lie ftst laughed ct NE, then seriously tried
to dlssuade ne from attempting it. Opposi-
ton only strengthened my purpose, and en-
tered the Office Of an eminent lawyer, who
overlooked Deficiencies in some respects, in
consideration, as he was pleased to term il, Of
tie talent ana acumen which my replies to lis
questions displayed,


now wrote for the journal l had been ac~
custOmed to print, and with such secrecy Mr..
Russell did not find out who his new contribu-
tor was. He would often WONDER in my pres
ence, who it could be, and ascribe to him de-
gree Of talent and briiliancy of expression as l
had hardly hoped to deserve. He often, too,
imputed my articles to --, and -, then
the two leading writers Of the day, aud express
his opinion that they wonld not remain incog
a great while. The aattery pleased me- but I
did not show any vanity to lead me into be-
traying myself. Through third party I re-
ceived a larger compensation for my labors
than I should have done had my wise father
in-law had the least suspicion who bis CORE
spondent was.


l stadied hard, and had at length the mex
pressibe satisfaction of being admitted to the
SsfTolk bar took an Office with another
young lawyer, in order to reduce our expenses,
and l waited anxiously for the brief period
what should be offered.


Poor susan Ny heart aches at the re
membrance of certain pr;vations to which
with angel sweetness, she submitted at tbs
period, in order that I might appear respect,
able My contributions to various literary
journals barely gave US the means Of susie
nance, and had so nearly offended Mr.. Rus
sell by sighting his advice, that did not dare
to apply 10 him for any assistance.


Ooe day in passing from our suburban resi-
dence to the city, met my old landlady, Mrs
Jones. She looked at me hard and returned
it. There was no mistaking that good honest
countenance and expansive form, even when
dressed as it was in deep mourning. a widows
ample veil hung over the back Of her head
and nearly swept the street. The recognition
was mutual, and the old lady's rapture at find
ing me was almost too strong for outdoor ex>
hibiticn. She told me of poor Jones death ;
of their removing to the country when the old
house in Howard street was torn down.


And now" she said, :" I am alone in the
world"


Come and live with me" were my first
words " You gave me a home when was a
lone child"


l stopped for the thought passed back upon
me that I was poor and unable to maintain
even my own family. A strange smile fitted
over the face of my friend while she inquired
of my situation I told her, and described my
wife and children.


"I will go to you, for I can help your wife
enough to pay for my board"


1 was almost displeased at what I had done
when I considered the immense appetite which
I had inconsiderately offered to supply, and
which I well remembered Of old. But cung
to my bargain, and begged her to come with
me Immediately.


" You will find me in rather close quarters, y
I said, but you shall come and be welcome. .


We agreed that she should be there Mon
day. and I went home to Susan, whom l met
with rather an embarrassed air. She looked
at the matter more philos0phicay than had
expected, and prepared her best chamber for
Mrs. Jones reception, heroically carrying in
many little conveniences of which we had 20
duplicates.


My relation Of Mrs. Jones former kindness
to me, and my description of her present lonely
and widowed state made Susan shed tears
She promised to do everything in her power
for the forlorn woman, who she thought would
now be thrown upon me for maintenance, and
herself for companionship.


Mrs Jones arrived on Monday morning, car
pet-bag in hand, and followed by handcart,
bearing her old-fashioned and somewhat dilapl-


L /.