up his paper again with an air of satisfaction; his wife
looked sternly reconciled, and plied her sewing vigorously. The play
went on pleasantly; Lizzie feeling so thoroughly ashamed of her
unkindness to Hepsy--which she would not have thought of but for
Chester's rebuke--that she did not speak another disagreeable word
during the evening.

"Put the cards under the table,--quick!" suddenly exclaimed James.

"What's the matter?" asked Sarah.

"The minister is coming!" he added, in a fearful whisper.

Footsteps were indeed heard approaching from the parlor. The young
people were in a great flurry, and Sarah and Lizzie hastened to follow
James' advice and example. But Chester would not give up his cards.

"Let him come," said he. "If he never saw a pack of cards, it is time he
should see one. It is your play, Sarah."

Thus admonished, the children brought out their cards again, and
recommenced playing, in a very confused manner. Chester's example was
hardly sufficient to give them courage in the eyes of the minister.

They heard the door open, and there was not a face at the table, except
Chester's, but burned with consciousness of guilt.

"Ah, how do you feel, after your journey?" asked Mr. Royden. "Hepsy,
place a chair for Mr. Rensford."

"No, no; do not trouble yourself, my child," said the old gentleman,
smiling kindly upon the girl. "Let me help myself."

He sat down in the seat she had vacated, behind Lizzie's chair.

"I feel much rested," he added, cheerily. "That nice cup of tea, Sister
Royden, has made a new man of me."

Mrs. Royden acknowledged the compliment with a smile, and Mr. Royden
proceeded to give his venerable relative a formal introduction to his
son Chester. The young man arose proudly, and, holding the cards in his
left hand, advanced to offer the other to the clergyman.

"Ah! my young friend again!" cried the old gentleman, with a gleam of
genuine sunshine on his face. "I hardly expected to meet you so soon."

Chester's manner changed oddly. He recoiled a step, and, although he
maintained his proud bearing, his eye fell, and his cheeks tingled with
sudden heat. But, recovering himself almost immediately, he accepted the
proffered hand, and murmured,

"This is a surprise! My compliments to you, sir. I am glad to see you
looking so well, after your tedious journey."

"You have met before, I take it?" suggested Mr. Royden.

"Only this morning, and that without knowing each other," rep