his son's ardent affection must be a poignant
reproach for his neglect and jealousy, and she grieved at once for him
and with him; but she could not understand half the feelings of bitter
anguish that she perceived in his countenance and gestures. She did
not know of his expectation that each ring of the bell might bring the
creditors' claims to heap disgrace upon him, nor how painful were the
thoughts of her and of the children, totally unprovided for, without
claim during his father's lifetime, even on his own scanty portion as
a younger son. He could only cast them on the mercy of his father and
brother; and what right had he to expect anything from them, after his
abuse of their kindness and forbearance? He thought of his neglect of
his patient devoted wife, whom he was leaving, with her little ones, to
struggle with poverty and dependence; he thought of his children growing
up to know him only as the improvident selfish father, who had doomed
them to difficulties, and without one tender word or kind look to
grace his memory. No wonder he turned, unable to brook the sight of his
unconscious babe; and that, when with morning little steps and voices
sounded above, such a look of misery came over his face, that Violet
hastened to order the children down to the dining-room, out of hearing.

Ere long, however, from the other room, appropriated to the baby, a face
peeped in, and Johnnie sprang to her side with earnest whispers: 'Mamma,
may I not say my prayers with you! I will not wake papa, but I can't
bear it without!' and the tears were in his eyes.

Violet's glance convinced her that this would be anything but
disturbing, and she consented. Johnnie thought his father asleep, but
she saw him watching the boy, as he stood with clasped hands, and eyes
in fixed steadfast gaze, repeating the Creed, so gravely and distinctly,
that not one of the whispering accents was lost. Looking upwards, as if
pursuing some thought far away, Johnnie said, 'Amen'; and then knelt,
breathing forth his innocent petitions, with their mention of father,
mother, sisters, and little brother; and therewith a large teardrop
gathered in the eyes fixed on him--but she would not seem to notice, and
bent her head over the boy, who, when his daily form was finished, knelt
on, and pressed her arm. 'Mamma,' he whispered, very low indeed, 'may I
say something for papa?' and on her assent, 'O God! make dear, dear papa
better, if it be Thy heavenly will, a