emper. It seemed to hurt and pain him so much to have the little
girl punished, that there was nothing to be done but to try to turn away
his attention.

Those weary times were perhaps harder to bear than periods of more
evident trial and excitement. Violet, as she strove to rally her spirits
and sustain his, could not help so feeling it--and then she thought of
Helen Fotheringham, and recollected that she had been intending to read
to Arthur an affectionate letter she had received from his brother on
hearing of his illness. Arthur was greatly touched by the tone in which
he was mentioned in it, and began eagerly to talk over John's many
proofs of affection, among which he now ranked his disregarded warnings.

'I have not forgotten his saying I must make you happy. I little
understood him then!'

There was happiness enough in the caress that would fain have silenced
him.

'Well! I have been thinking! Our marriage was the best and worst thing I
ever did. It was unjust to you, and as bad as possible towards them; but
that is what I can't be as sorry for as it deserves,' and he looked up
with a sweet smile, fading at once--'except when I look at you and the
children, and think what is to become of you.'

'Oh, don't, dear Arthur! Why look forward! There has been great mercy so
far. Let us rest in it.'

'You may; it was not your fault,' said Arthur; 'but how can I? I took
you in your ignorance; I let your father deceive himself about my
expectations, then, when my own people were far kinder to me than I
deserved, and I ought to have done everything myself to make up for my
imprudence, I go and let you pinch yourself, while I squander everything
on my own abominable follies! And now, here am I leaving you with all
these poor children, and nothing on earth--nothing but a huge debt? What
are you to do, I say?'

He was almost angry that she did not partake his apprehension for her
welfare.

'This is only a casual drawback. Dr. L---- said so!'

'That's nothing to the purpose. My health is done for. There is nothing
before me but decline. I have felt that all along, whatever doctors may
say. And how can you expect me not to feel what I have brought on you?'

'I am sure you need not be afraid for us. Is it not unkind to doubt your
father and John?'

'Suppose they should die before Johnnie comes of age--suppose John
should marry!'

Oh, Arthur, I cannot suppose anything! I am only quite sure that there
is a Father who