is father's home, and
forced to take refuge among strangers."

"I don't know what you mean by his being driven from home," said Mrs.
Crawford, tossing her head. "He made himself disagreeable, and, not
being able to have his own way, he took French leave."

"The house seems very lonely without him," went on Dr. Crawford, who was
too wise to get into an argument with his wife.

"It certainly is more quiet. As for company, Peter is still here, and
would at any time stay with you."

Peter did not relish this suggestion, and did not indorse it.

"I should not care to confine him to the house," said Dr. Crawford, as
his glance rested on the plain and by no means agreeable face of his
stepson.

"I suppose I need not speak of myself. You know that you can always call
upon me."

If Dr. Crawford had been warmly attached to his second wife, this
proposal would have cheered him, but the time had gone by when he found
any pleasure in her society. There was a feeling of almost repulsion
which he tried to conceal, and he was obliged to acknowledge to himself
that the presence of his wife gave him rather uneasiness than comfort.

"Carl is very well off where he is," resumed Mrs. Crawford. "He is
filling a business position, humble, perhaps, but still one that gives
him his living and keeps him out of mischief. Let well enough alone,
doctor, and don't interrupt his plans."

"I--I may be foolish," said the doctor, hesitating, "but I have not been
feeling as well as usual lately, and if anything should happen to me
while Carl was absent I should die very unhappy."

Mrs. Crawford regarded her husband with uneasiness.

"Do you mean that you think you are in any danger?" she asked.

"I don't know. I am not an old man, but, on the other hand, I am an
invalid. My father died when he was only a year older than I am at
present."

Mrs. Crawford drew out her handkerchief, and proceeded to wipe her
tearless eyes.

"You distress me beyond measure by your words, my dear husband. How can
I think of your death without emotion? What should I do without you?"

"My dear, you must expect to survive me. You are younger than I, and
much stronger."

"Besides," and Mrs. Crawford made an artful pause, "I hardly like to
mention it, but Peter and I are poor, and by your death might be left to
the cold mercies of the world."

"Surely I would not fail to provide for you."

Mrs. Crawford shook her head.

"I am sure of your kind intentions, m