naged to play his part sufficiently well. Louisa, whose passion for
him increased as the days went on, made no complaint; she was true to
her promise, and never mentioned Alison's name, and the wedding day
drew on apace. The young people's banns had already been called twice
in the neighboring church, the next Sunday would be the third time, and
the following Thursday was fixed for the wedding. Jim came home late
one evening tired out, and feeling more depressed than usual. A letter
was waiting for him on the mantelpiece. He had already given notice to
quit his comfortable bedroom. He and Louisa were to live for a
time--until they had chosen their shop and furnished it--with the
Clays. This arrangement was very disagreeable to Jim, but it did not
occur to him to demur; his whole mind was in such a state of collapse
that he allowed Louisa and her people to make what arrangements they
pleased.

"There's a letter for you upstairs," said his landlady, as he hurried
past her.

The young man's heart beat fast for a moment. Could Alison by any
chance have written to him? He struck a light hastily and looked at
the letter, which was lying on his table. No, the handwriting was not
Alison's, and when he opened it the first thing he saw was a check,
which fell out.

"My Dear Nephew [ran the letter], I hope this finds you well, as it
leaves me. You must be a well-grown lad now, and, in short, have come
to full man's estate. I have done well in Australia, and if you like
to join me here, I believe I can put you in the way of earning a good
living. I inclose a draft on the City Bank, London, for one hundred
pounds, which will pay your passage and something over. If you like to
come, you will find me at the address at the head of this paper. I am
making lots of money, and if you have a head on your shoulders, you can
help me fine in my business. If you don't care to come, you may use
the money to start housekeeping when you marry; but if you are wise you
will take my advice.

"Your affectionate uncle,
"JAMES HARDY."

Jim fingered the check, and looked absently before him.

"Why shouldn't I get clear out of the whole business?" he said. "I
could leave the country to-morrow with this money, and go out and join
Uncle James, and make my fortune by and by. Why should I stick to
Louisa when I hate her? It's all over with Alison and me. Oh, Alison,
how could you love another fellow when I loved you so we