shone on one like Rose Oswald before; in fact, she was far too
good for any one but you Walter, so if you had not chanced to fall in
love with her, she must have died an old maid."

It was a bright morning, early in September, that a small wedding party
was assembled at Mr. Oswald's residence; the few guests invited were all
old friends. I sent an urgent message for good old Dr. Gray and his
wife, and although they seldom left Elmwood, they responded to my call,
and made what, to them, was quite a long journey, that they might be
present at my marriage. That same evening we set out on our wedding
tour, while my mother and Flora, with Charley Gray, returned to Elmwood;
and, after travelling for several weeks, we found ourselves at my
mother's home, where we were to spend a few weeks longer before
returning to the city, which was to be our permanent home. Soon after my
return to Elmwood, I received an urgent message to visit Mr. Judson, who
was said to be fast failing. I felt a degree of reluctance to go, having
never once entered his dwelling since the memorable day on which I left
it years ago, but I felt it my duty to comply with his request. I found
him much weaker than I had expected. He seemed much overcome, when I
softly entered the room, and extending my hand, enquired how he found
himself. "I am very weak," he replied, "and feel that I have but a short
time to live. I have felt very anxious to see you, and I feared you
would not arrive in time to see me alive. I hope you will forgive my
unkindness and harshness to you when a boy. I did not then know that I
was so unkind, but it has come back to me since. At that time my whole
desire and aim was to accumulate riches, and it was that which caused me
to be harsh and unfeeling. I _have_ become rich, but riches will avail
me but little, as I stand upon the brink of eternity, and the way looks
dark before me, but it will afford me some comfort to hear you say you
forgive me, before I die." I took his hand within my own, as I said:
"Any resentment I may once have cherished toward you, Mr. Judson, has
long since passed away. I was but a boy when I resided with you, and
very likely at times taxed your patience severely, and you have my
entire forgiveness for any harshness I may ever have experienced at your
hands. I am sorry to find you so ill, and hope you will soon be better."
"No, Walter;" he replied, "that will never be, and I am now sensible
that in my anxiety for the