Year: 1873

in an hour. l regretted the cause, out coulo
not help feeling relieved, that l was to be out
of the neighborhood for short time. l knew
Mr.. Walker would take no steps while was
away, and it gave me longer time to think
over and arrange my own plans. Of one thing
I was certain-I must write for Owen to come
home.


We had long and anxious ride, but were
fully repaid when we witnessed Harry's pleas
ure at seeing u.s. We found him much bet
ter, but still suffering from severe attack OF
acute rheumatism.


The next morning I rose early to write my
letter to Owen. 1t was much more difficult
task than I had anticipated. l did not wish
him to think, in asking him to return, that l
intended to renew my engagement; and yet,
I did so long for his presence concluded
the best way was to write exactly what felt,
and then, if he misunderstood me, it would be
his fault-not mine.


had finished my letter, and was about to
leave my room, when Nellie entered.


Il have come to ask great favor of you,
Matte. Harry and both wish you to re-
main with US at least two or three weeks, and
longer, ifyou will. 1t slime now that Johns
wife should feel some of the responsibilities of
married life, and I think it would be the best
thing for her to have charge of household.
If you do not like leaving aunt Patsy, we will
send for her to come here. In fact, we will
do anything to keep you with u.s."


"You know, Nellie, darling, how glad L
should be to stay; but Mary isso inexperienced
that am afraid she cannot manage the Elm
wood household without me.


"Let her try, at any rate, Matte; if she
finds she cannot, then she can write for you.
But you ought to stay, when you know you
will be such comfort to me-


"Give me day to think it over, Nell, and
then I will tell you what I have decided on"


every we'll as long as you please, so you
consent to stay"


After thinking the matter over, l concluded
it was best for me to remain. / knew that
Mary would not really need me, even though
she might think so at first. Ifanything were
to happen to Nellie in her coming illness, l
should never forgive myself for having re-
fused. So staid at Clifton.


I wrote home Immediately, and told them
of my decision. I received loving answer
in reply, saying they were glad had remain
ed with Nellie, and they would keep me fully
advised of all that transpired at home.


had been at Clifton about month, when
I was very much surprised by visit from
"Mr. English" As soon as we were alone,
he told me that his plans were all matured,
and he intended making himself known to his
family. He naturally came directly to Cliff:
ton, and hoped would use my influence in
inducing Nellie and her husband, to receive
him in friendly manner.


81 shall do nothing of the kind, Mr.. Walk
err" I said in reply to this. eff you choose
to thrust yourself upon us in this way, the
consequences must rest with you. Any shock,
in Nellie's present delicate state, may prove
fatal to her, and I know Of none greater or
more repugnant to her feelings than the dis
covery that you are her father"


II suppose there is no reason why l should
not tell Mr.. Worthington ?"


eyes, there is. Will you return home, or
will you remain here, causing misery, and
perhaps death, by your presence"


"Don't put it so strong, my dear young
lady. Remain here! of course l will. You
had much better let me manage this affair my
way. You will find that it is the best in the
end"


"And what is the course you intend to pur-
sue?"


"To remain here for the present, and make
myself as agreeable as possible to my dear
daughter and son-in-law. But I see we are
about to be interrupted, so I will leave you"


AS he closed the door, my attention was at
tracted by hearing some one moving in the
far corner of the room. There was sofa,
which was partially concealed from our view.
Imagine my surprise, on approaching, to find
Nellie lying on it perfectly insensible. She
had heard our conversation!


called for assistance and had her removed
to her room, but it was some time before she
revived. The death I had spoken of, only a
few moments before, was near US now. An
overwhelming sense of the desoation it would
bring came over me, and I could only cry in
my misery