question appeared slightly to annoy Mr. Markland. But with a
forced smile, and in his usual pleasant voice, he answered:

"Oh, nothing of very great importance, but still requiring my
presence. Business is business, you know, and ought never to be
neglected."

"Will you be home early?"

"Yes."

Mr. Markland walked out into the ample porch, and let his eyes range
slowly over the objects that surrounded his dwelling. His wife stood
by his side. The absence of a few days, amid other and less
attractive scenes, had prepared his mind for a better appreciation
of the higher beauties of "Woodbine Lodge." Something of the old
feeling came over him; and as he stood silently gazing around, he
could not but say, within himself, "If I do not find happiness here,
I may look for it through the world in vain."

The carriage was driven round to the door, while he stood there.
Fanny came out at the moment, and seeing her father about to step
into it, sprang forward, and exclaimed--

"Why, father, you are not going away again?"

"Only to the city, love," he answered, as he turned to receive her
kiss.

"To the city again? Why, you are away nearly all the time. Now I
wish you wouldn't go so often."

"I will be home early in the afternoon. But come, Fanny, won't you
go with me, to spend the day in town? It will be a pleasant change
for you."

Fanny shook her head, and answered, "No."

Mr. Markland entered the carriage, waved his hand, and was soon
gliding away toward the city. As soon as he was beyond the
observation of his family, his whole manner underwent a change. An
expression of deep thought settled over his face; and he remained in
a state of profound abstraction during his whole ride to the city.
On arriving there, he went to the office of an individual well known
in the community as possessing ample means, and bearing the
reputation of a most liberal, intelligent, and enterprising citizen.

"Good morning, Mr. Brainard," said Markland, with a blending of
respect and familiarity in his voice.

"Ah, Mr. Markland!" returned the other, rising, and shaking the hand
of his visitor cordially. "When did you get back from New York?"

"Yesterday afternoon. I called after my arrival, but you had left
your office."

"Well, what news do you bring home? Is every thing to your mind?"

"Entirely so, Mr. Brainard."

"That's clever--that's right. I was sure you would find it so. Lyon
is shrewd and sharp-sighted as an eagle. We