n which he had been going. For ten minutes he wrought
with the blinding and suffocating snow, which, turn as he would, the
wind kept dashing into his face, and then his failing limbs gave out
and he sunk benumbed with cold upon the pavement. Half buried in the
snow, he was discovered soon afterward and carried to a police station,
where he found himself next morning in one of the cells, a wretched,
humiliated, despairing man.

"Why, Mr. Ridley! It can't be possible!" It was the exclamation of the
police magistrate when this man was brought, soon after daylight,
before him.

Ridley stood dumb in presence of the officer, who was touched by the
helpless misery of his face.

"You were at Mr. Birtwell's?"

Ridley answered by a silent inclination of his head.

"I do not wonder," said the magistrate, his voice softening, "that, you
lost your way in the storm last night. You are not the only one who
found himself astray and at fault. Our men had to take care of quite a
number of Mr. Birtwell's guests. But I will not detain you, Mr. Ridley.
I am sorry this has happened. You must be more careful in future."

With slow steps and bowed head Mr. Ridley left the station-house and
took his way homeward. How could he meet his wife? What of her? How had
she passed the night? Vividly came up the parting scene as she lay with
her babe, only a few days old, close against her bosom, her tender
eyes, in which he saw shadows of fear, fixed lovingly upon his face.

He had promised to be home soon, and had said a fervent "God bless
you!" as he left a kiss warm upon her lips.

And now! He stood still, a groan breaking on the air. Go home! How
could he look into the face of his wife again? She had walked with him
through the valley of humiliation in sorrow and suffering and shame for
years, and now, after going up from this valley and bearing her to a
pleasant land of hope and happiness, he had plunged down madly. Then a
sudden fear smote his heart. She was in no condition to bear a shock
such as his absence all night must have caused. The consequences might
be fatal. He started forward at a rapid pace, hurrying along until he
came in sight of his house. A carriage stood at the door. What could
this mean?

Entering, he was halfway up stairs when, the nurse met him.

"Oh, Mr. Ridley," she exclaimed, "why did you stay away all night? Mrs.
Ridley has been so ill, and I couldn't get the doctor. Oh, sir, I don't
know what will come of it.