ville Poorhouse."

"How long ago?"

"About six years since."

"Is she there, still?"

"Yes, sir. Since I have been in New York, I have heard from her
frequently. I am going from here to visit her. Have you any message,
sir? I am sure she would be glad to hear from you."

"She shall hear from me," said the 'Squire in a low voice. "Sit down,
and I will write her a letter which, I hope, will not prove unwelcome."

Five minutes afterwards he handed Paul an open letter.

"You may read it," he said, abruptly.

"You have been a better friend to my sister than I. You shall witness my
late reparation."

The letter was as follows:----

CEDARVILLE, JAN 13, 18--.

MY DEAR SISTER:--

I hope you will forgive me for my long neglect. It is not fitting that
while I am possessed of abundant means you should longer remain the
tenant of an almshouse. I send you by the bearer of this note, Paul
Prescott, who, I understand, is a friend of yours, the sum of three
hundred dollars. The same sum will be sent you annually. I hope it will
be sufficient to maintain you comfortably. I shall endeavor to call upon
you soon, and meanwhile remain, Your affectionate brother,

EZEKIEL CONANT.

Paul read this letter with grateful joy. It seemed almost to good to be
true. Aunt Lucy would be released from the petty tyranny of Mrs. Mudge's
household, and perhaps--he felt almost sure Aunt Hester would be willing
to receive her as a boarder, thus insuring her a peaceful and happy home
in her declining years.

"Oh, sir," said he, seizing 'Squire Conant's hand, "you cannot tell how
happy you have made me."

"It is what I ought to have done before. Here is the money referred to
in the letter,--three hundred dollars,--mind you don't lose it."

"I will take every care, sir."

"You may tell my sister that I shall be happy to have her write me."

"I will, sir."

Paul left 'Squire Conant's house, feeling that he had great cause for
joy. The 'Squire's refusal to receive more than half the debt, left him
master of over three hundred dollars. But I am not sure whether he did
not rejoice even more over the good fortune which had come to Aunt Lucy
Lee, whose kindness to him, in his unfriended boyhood, he would ever
hold in grateful remembrance. He enjoyed in anticipation the joy
which he knew Aunt Lucy would feel when the change in her fortunes was
communicated to her. He knew also how great would be the chagrin of Mr.
and Mrs. Mudge, when they