Year: 1871

abject poverty, and my conscience will not
permit that the best of children shall con-
tinue to sacrifice herself to me. 1t is not
impossible that my life would have lasted
much longer and God will surely pardon
me when deprive myself of few dozen
days or weeks of it to save thereby the
health and life of my Lena"


"Old man, you are ahappy being" cried
the younger one 81 have never met a
happier one. What you call misfortune
is nothing but a mere bagatelle. That is
now and forever done away with. will
make my will tomorrow, in which l shall
constitute you my heir, and will postpone
for day my leap into the Thames. But,
first, wish to make the acquaintance of
your Lena, that may behold a person be-
fore my death who really deserves to be
called human being"


"But, sir, you are still, so young, and
yet so unhappy-what is the cause of it p"
cried the old man in pitiful voice.


81 think the money of my father l am
the only son of one of the wealthiest bank
ers in London, and like you, am also mer-
chant If tell you my name, which you
have no doubt often heard, it will convince
You that l am telling the truth. My father
died five years ago, and inherited his CO.
lossal fortune. From that moment all men
with whom have came in contact have
either lied, cheated or deceived me. was
like an innocent child in my belief and con-
fidence. had not been spoiled, and had
inherited from my good mother heart
which was in need and looked for sympa-
thy and love. / found hypocritical scoun-
drels, designing villains, whose sole aim
seemed to be to deprive me of my money,
and so enjoy themselves, at my expense.
Friends, or rather rascals whom | called
friends, and loved with my whole heart,
betrayed and ridiculed me as a good ma
tured fool; but my eyes were opened at last
and my heart became hardened with suspi-
con. | detected and learned to know all
these parasites. | became engaged to a
rich heiress, whose intellect and education
were of the highest order. perfectly idol
lied her in my childish enthusiasm. Her
love was to recompense me for everything.
Soon, however, found out that she was
vain and proud fool, who desired to make
all men her slaves. broke off the en-
gagement and chose charming poor child,
a darling innocent turtle-dove to be the an
gel of my life. Ha ha / surprised her
one day folded in the embrace of youth
who was by her beloved She had lied to
me to become a rich woman. commenced
life of dissipation and excess took to
travelling everywhere l met the same NOR
al wretchedness. AT last began to loathe
life. We met each other as / wished to
end the miserable farce"


Poor young man., said the eldorly man
with tear of sympathy in his eye, show
much l pity you. Yes, though poor man
have been much happier than you. /
had wife and daughter who came pure
aud virtuous out of Gods hand. One of
them has returned to Him in the same way,
and the other will do so eventually. / know
my Lena She will preserve her virtue
and her honor. She cannot do otherwise. A."





address, and permit me to visit your daugh-
ter tomorrow want to Judge for my
self the truth Of your assertion. But you
must give me your word of honor not to be-
tray to your child by word, sign, Or look
that am a rich man. o1


The old man held out his hand.


81 promise. wish myself to have you
convinced that spoke the truth. My name
is John Wilkins, and my address is written
on this piece of paper" With these words
he drew card from his pocket and handed
it to the other.


And my name is James Axe and am
the son and heir Of Henry Axe. Here is a
el00 note with the condition that you re-
main in this house until come for you TO-
morrow. room with good bed for this
gentleman. Goodnight. Tomorrow you
will see me different character. But no
matter what do, you must not forget your
word of honor"


The old man could not suppress an ex-
clamation of astonishment when he heard
the name Of the young man, or that of a
joyful surprise when he received the bank
note. But, before he could collect himself
his new acquaintance had quilted the room
and the waiter was showing him to his
chamber, and he forgot soon, in the COM
Portable bed which he found there, the hap
py change Of his fate.


In poorly furnished, but neat and nice
| looking attic room in ono of the high, smoke
blackened houses In a narrow and dark