would never he his, he
laid his head upon the table, and wept such tears as a spoiled child
might weep when refused a toy, too costly and delicate to be trusted
in its rude grasp.

Erelong, there was another knock at the door, and, hastily wiping away
all traces of his emotion, Henry admitted his father, who had come to
talk of their future prospects, which were even worse than he had
feared. But he did not reproach his wayward son, nor hint that his
reckless extravagance had hastened the calamity which otherwise might
possibly have been avoided. Calmly he stated the extent to which they
were involved, adding that though an entire failure might be prevented
a short time, it would come at last; and that an honorable payment of
his debts would leave them beggars.

"For myself I do not care," said the wretched man, pressing hard his
aching temples, where the gray hairs had thickened within a few short
weeks. "For myself I do not care but for my wife and children,--for
Rose, and that she must miss her accustomed comforts, is the keenest
pang of all."

All this time, Henry had not spoken, but thought was busily at work.
He could not bestir himself; he had no energy for that now; but he
could marry Ella Campbell, whose wealth would keep him in the position
he now occupied, besides supplying many of Rose's wants.

Cursing the fate which had reduced him to such an extremity, towards
the dusk of evening, Henry started again for Mrs. Campbell's. Lights
were burning in the parlor and as the curtains were drawn back, he
could see through the partially opened shutter, that Ella was alone.
Reclining in a large sofa chair, she sat, leaning upon her elbow, the
soft curls of her brown hair falling over her white arm, which the
full blue cashmere sleeve exposed to view. She seemed deeply engaged
in thought, and never before had she looked so lovely to Henry, who,
as he gazed upon her, felt a glow of pride, in thinking that fair
young girl could be his for the asking.

"I wish she was not so confounded flat," thought he, hastily ringing
the door-bell.

Instantly divining who it was, Ella sprang up, and when Henry entered
the parlor, he found her standing in the centre of the room, where the
full blaze of the chandelier fell upon her childish features, lighting
them up with radiant beauty.

"And so my little pet is alone," said he, coming forward, and raising
to his lips the dainty fingers which Ella extended towards him. "I
hope