or our wedding day_." It
contained a little jewel case; but there was nothing on the snowy satin
cushion but a pair of daintily wrought clasps for the robe of the little
child, marked, "with a father's love;" and then, as she was replacing them,
a sealed envelop caught her eye. There was an inclosure directed to a name
she was not familiar with, and a few lines penciled for herself:--

"DEAR KATE: I have searched all over Paris, and could not find anything
that I thought would please you better than the inclosed, which is my
resignation of club membership. Will you please send it to the president,
and accept the true and earnest love of YOUR ABSENT HUSBAND."

Then he had not been unmindful of her silent regret; he still loved his
home, and the dangerous hour of his temptation was passed! Had she not
great reason for the gush of love and thankfulness that filled her heart
and renewed her strength that happy morning--her child saved, and her
husband, as it were, restored to her? Ere he came, the little one was fast
regaining her bright playfulness, and became a stronger tie between Willis
Grant and his happy home. I do not know that you and I, dear reader, would
have learned the secret of his renewed devotion to his wife, had he not
told Nelly Lyons himself that "Kate's way was the best, and she had better
try it with Morgan, if ever he showed an undue fondness for the club after
their marriage." Of course, the volatile girl could not help telling the
story, and when two know a thing, as we are all aware, it is a secret no
longer.

* * * * *

A PARABLE.

BY JAMES CARRUTHERS.

"It is a marvel," remarked the youth Silas to his companion, "that, after
so many years of unremitting application, favored by the combination of
extraordinary advantages, I should yet have accomplished nothing. Scholarly
toil, indeed, is not without its meet reward. But in much wisdom is much
grief, when it serves not to advance the well-being of its possessor."

"I have remarked, as thou hast," returned the companion of Silas, "how
sorely thou hast been distanced in thy life's pursuit by those who came
after with far less ability and fewer advantages; and, if thou wilt believe
me, have read the marvel. Last noon, while in attendance on the Syrian
race, I observed that the untamed, high-mettled steed, that, in his daring
strength and almost limitless swiftness, scorned his rider's curb, though
traveling a space