y had he learned the
power of that wealth to which he might one day becomes the joint heir
with his brother, and his pride, perhaps, was censured more than he
deserved.

His love for his mother and brother were strong redeeming traits in that
self-willed nature, and toward those two beings he ever exercised a
lofty and ennobling forbearance. Throughout their school-days he assumed
the part of defender and protector toward his younger companion, and if
a slur was ever cast upon Guly's meekness, or a taunt uttered at his
almost girlish beauty, an earnest champion was ever at his side to adopt
his cause, and give the lie to those who dared thus to speak; and Guly
in return looked up to Arthur as one brave and manly in all things, a
superior both in mind and body; little dreaming of the hour when their
stations should seem changed, and he assume the part of guide and
guardian over his brother.

Colonel Pratt was desirous that both his children should choose a
profession. But Arthur impatiently expressed his distaste for such a
course, preferring the busy hum of mercantile life, to the long study
necessary to fit him for a profession. Consequently, after having
received a good school education, he was placed in his father's store,
there to become acquainted with the business under the immediate care
and supervision of his doting parent. Gulian at this time was still at
school, the same gentle-souled, spiritual-looking boy; who perhaps more
than Arthur had wound himself round the fond heart of his mother, and
who seemed to love her presence, and cherish her affection, with a depth
of feeling unusual in boys of his age.

One morning, late in August, as Colonel Pratt was about to proceed to
the city, his wife observed him wandering over the house and grounds
with an air of thoughtfulness amounting even to dejection. Astonished at
this in one usually so cheerful-hearted, she joined him, and anxiously
inquired the cause.

"I have suffered for several days from this same depression of spirits,"
he answered, with a faint attempt to smile. "Perhaps some wise sightseer
might declare it a presentiment of coming evil, but it is no doubt the
mere effect of a slight indisposition, occasioned by the extreme heat
and application to business."

"Stay at home with me to-day, Arthur!" said his wife, earnestly, reading
beneath his attempts to treat the matter lightly a seriousness which he
had striven to conceal.

"Nay, my wife," he an