ing-cough,
which please let me know. If he behave well, which, at his age, we can
easily break him into, he is settled for life. So now you have got rid
of two mouths to feed, and have nobody to think of but yourself, which
must be a great comfort. Don't forget to write to Mr. Beaufort; and if
he don't do something for you he's not the gentleman I take him for; but
you are my own flesh and blood, and sha'n't starve; for, though I don't
think it right in a man in business to encourage what's wrong, yet, when
a person's down in the world, I think an ounce of hell is better than a
pound of preaching. My wife thinks otherwise, and wants to send you some
tracts; but every body can't be as correct as some folks. However, as
I said before, that's neither here nor there. Let me know when your boy
comes down, and also about the measles, cowpock, and whooping-cough;
also if all's right with Mr. Plaskwith. So now I hope you will feel more
comfortable; and remain,

"Dear Catherine,
"Your forgiving and affectionate brother,
"ROGER MORTON.
"High Street, N----, June 13."

"P.S.--Mrs. M. says that she will be a mother to your little boy, and
that you had better mend up all his linen before you send him."

As Catherine finished this epistle, she lifted her eyes and beheld
Philip. He had entered noiselessly, and he remained silent, leaning
against the wall, and watching the face of his mother, which crimsoned
with painful humiliation while she read. Philip was not now the trim
and dainty stripling first introduced to the reader. He had outgrown his
faded suit of funereal mourning; his long-neglected hair hung elf-like
and matted down his cheeks; there was a gloomy look in his bright dark
eyes. Poverty never betrays itself more than in the features and form of
Pride. It was evident that his spirit endured, rather than accommodated
itself to, his fallen state; and, notwithstanding his soiled and
threadbare garments, and a haggardness that ill becomes the years of
palmy youth, there was about his whole mien and person a wild and savage
grandeur more impressive than his former ruffling arrogance of manner.

"Well, mother," said he, with a strange mixture of sternness in his
countenance and pity in his voice; "well, mother, and what says your
brother?"

"You decided for us once before, decide again. But I need not ask you;
you would never--"

"I don't know," interrupted Philip, vaguely; "let me see wha