t
when he was no longer at hand, Mr. Edmonstone's weak good-nature might
be prevailed on to sacrifice her. He did his best for her protection, by
making his uncle express a resolution never to admit Guy into his family
again, unless the accusation of gambling was completely disproved.

The last morning came, and Philip went to take leave of Charles. Poor
Charles was feebler by this time, and too much subdued by pain and
languor to receive him as at first, but the spirit was the same; and
when Philip wished him good-bye, saying he hoped soon to hear he was
better, he returned for answer,

'Good-bye, Philip, I hope soon to hear you are better. I had rather have
my hip than your mind.'

He was in no condition to be answered, and Philip repeated his good-bye,
little thinking how they were to meet again.

The others were assembled in the hall. His aunt's eyes were full of
tears, for she loved him dearly, her brother's only son, early left
motherless, whom she had regarded like her own child, and who had so
nobly fulfilled all the fondest hopes. All his overbearing ways and
uncalled-for interference were forgotten, and her voice gave way as she
embraced him, saying,

'God bless you, Philip, wherever you may be. We shall miss you very
much!'

Little Amy's hand was put into his, and he squeezed it kindly; but she
could hardly speak her 'good-bye,' for the tears that came, because she
was grieved not to feel more sorry that her highly-esteemed cousin, so
kind and condescending to her, was going away for so very long a time.

'Good-bye, Philip,' said Charlotte; 'I shall be quite grown up by the
time you come home.'

'Don't make such uncivil auguries, Puss,' said her father; but Philip
heard her not, for he was holding Laura's hand in a grasp that seemed as
if it never would unclose.

CHAPTER 21

I will sing, for I am sad,
For many my misdeeds;
It is my sadness makes me glad,
For love for sorrow pleads.
--WILLIAMS.

After his last interview with Philip, Guy returned to his rooms to force
himself into occupation till his cousin should come to acknowledge that
here, at least, there was nothing amiss. He trusted that when it was
proved all was right in this quarter, the prejudice with regard to the
other might be diminished, though his hopes were lower since he had
found out the real grounds of the accusation, reflecting that he should
never be able to explain wit