Year: 1860

He made no reply, but stood leaning against
the mantel-piece looking moodily into the fire
ohe thought be did not hear her, and going up
10 him she laid her hand on his arm. and re.
peated the question.
mo" he answered, frigidly, without lifting
least A0A :" WIG


She looked at him for moment, sighed, and
removing her hand, went into the little room
where Charlie was sleeping. As she bent over
MIN the boy murmured, {" Mamma, :" and smiled
HE Is dreaming" said she, oomforted for a
moment by this thought. As she gased on
him, her mind wandered far away to a land
where no cloud can come over the spirit, and
kneeling beside the bed her heart breatbed
forth Its deep thankfulness to Him who had
enabled her so long to endure: and she prayed
for strength patiently and cheerfully to bear
on, In coming years, the cross He had laid
upon her.


When she returned her husband was asleep.


The next day at dinner, Mr.. Mervyn sud
denly said, Margaret, mother is coming to
spend month with u.s." and taking a letter
fore ber; A look of such evident satisfaction
was visible on her face, that dark frovn of
displeasure settled on his brow


Forgive me, Charles, she said, in gentle
tone of apology. ~ will try and make it as
pleasant as / can


terly.


"You are unjust" she answered, sadly "but
you know your mother does not like me and
that this dislike has made even you-h


PARDON me, madam" he interrupted, "my
mother opinions do not govern me. have
judged for myself on this subject


"And why are you so very severe a Judge Of
my faults" she asked, in the same sad tone.
Your faults madam" he exclaimed, in
cA,


faults! Oh no, those who do not feel are
always perfect" And with a scornful Ianob
he left the room


she stood with one hand leaning on the back
OF a chair. The usually quiet look of patient
resignation, now so habitusl, had changed 10
one OF intense suffering. But as she stood, her
thoughts went back to the time of her child
mood. She gazed into the mirror that memory
placed before her, and she saw only scenes of
perfect happiness. Once more a mothers arm
enclrcled her, and fathers hand was laid in
blessing on her head. Then came youthful
hopes and deeper happiness. She was again a
girl, treading life's fOwery path. Around her
played only gentle zephyrs; and she dreamed
not spring could ever depart. Again the happy
maiden stood beneath the vine-covered arbor,
and listened to the VOWS of him she loved: and
now N
ShAlooked round. The servant had removed
the table, and she was standing befor, tho
dying embers. Her dream had faded, and she
pressed her hands together upon her bosom,
and murmured, "And now"


Strong faith had Margaret Faith in a holier.
happier home, within whose peaceful shadow
come no longings; where every wish would be
sausned, every muTmur cease. Strong, too,
was her patient faith in the heavenly strength
that should be given her, to bear up under all
ner trlals She did not hope to win love for
herself; and her life was one constant fulfill
ment OF duty, where the only flowers in her
pathway were those scattered by her children
Mr.. Meryyn came home in the evening rather
later than usual. He went into the sitting
room, and found the children by the FIRE. near
which was drawn a small sofa. . Hush, papa
whispered Charlie, you will wake mamma
we waited for you so long that she has gone to
sleep. See, have not moved, because she had
my hand, and 1 was afraid should wake her.


He looked down at the little fellow, who sat
so quietly and regarded his mother so lovingly.
How dearly he seemed to love her. The hus-
band eye turned from the boys bright face
to the pale sad countenance of his wife She
looked very unwell, even suffering; and his
heart smote him, as he contrasted her now with
the blooming maiden he had, ten years ago.
promised to love and cherish Innumerable
instances rose before him of her long continued
patient forbearance; Of kindness unwearied on
her part, met only by constant Indifference on



Could he tell her he was wrong? His pride
rebelled at the thought. No, he would be
more gentle for the future and she would for
get the past.


Something in her dream startled her, for she
opened her eyes, and sitting up looked round
in surprise.


my dear boy" she said affectionately,
" have you been sitting here all this time
Why did not you wake me when papa camel"


a " O Ioo II O..
said her husband very kindly She glanced up
surprised at this unusual tone, and the tears
sprang to her eyes. Then rising with her ac-
customed gentle dignity she went to her own
apartment and arranged her dress, before she
took her place at the tea-table. For Margaret
was extremely particular in regard to her ap-
pearance; she thought it was due to her hus-
band and children; and now the waves Of her
soft, dark hair were as smoothly parted as if
visitors were expected. In her pale, intellect
ual countenance might be read indications of
inward struggles and of victory. That peace
dwelt in her heart which only the Christian
may attain; but the touching sadness of her
expression told that her earthly lot had much
sorrow. Her constant daily trials were known
to but One, and suspected by few; and those
who found in her ready, sympathizing friend,
dreamed not that she herself yearned for a
kindly word Yet she had learned not to re-
pine, at least not often, and her children
knew tnat In all their chlldlsh grievances
mamma" was ready to assist them and into
her willing ear was poured forth all their joys
and sorrows.


In the course of the week the mother came
She was tall, haughty-looking woman, with
q stern, forbidding cOuntenance, and q yet
more stern, unbending will. She must be first
everywhere, and in her sons house wished to
be as absolute as in her own. She was selfish,
exacting, and jealous of her sons love. In
fact, love for her son was the only disinterested
feeling she possessed; and she could not bear
that another, even though that other was his
wife, should divide that love with her Mar
gsret's patience irritated her, and she called
il hypocrisy. She had done more to produce
the coldness Charles felt for his wife than she
herself imagined. But Margaret knew and
felt it, yet her voice lost not its gentle tone,
nor her manner towards Mrs. Mervyn its un-
varying respect.


About week after the old lady's arrival, as
Margaret was sitting for few moments in her
own room, she heard loud sounds from the nur-
sery. She stepped to the door, and Charlie
was speaking passionately.


"You shall not talk so Of my mamma" he
said, "she's great deal better than you are !"


Z" You impertinent boy" 20 said his grand
mother, angrily. ''This is the way your
mother teaches you to speak, isit? 1t is well