r to his palate, and was likely to continue so. Still the
doctor urged that he must take it, and sent him some from his own store,
and, moreover, spoke so very earnestly to Mrs Hartley, saying that her
husband would altogether be incapacitated from performing his duties
unless he was supplied with stimulants and more food, that she resolved
to do what many have resolved to do before, and will do again under
similar circumstances. She did not exactly kill the golden goose, but
began to sell out. It was indeed pleasant to have 20 pounds at command.
She ordered wine of the best, with beef steaks and mutton chops, such
things had rarely before been seen at the vicarage. The butcher
wondered, but she paid regularly, and he asked no questions. She,
however, only made-believe to eat of them herself, that Owen might have
the more; and when he came home to dinner she was sure to have taken a
large luncheon while he was out. She thought that his health was
improving, and he declared that he felt stronger.

So delighted was she with the result of this new system, that she
ordered more port wine, and still more amply supplied the table. Yet
the doctor was not satisfied, and urged change of air for a short
time--"His life is so valuable," was his remark, and the doctor's
observation conquered all scruples. A clergyman to do Owen's duty was
to be obtained, no easy matter, and he must be paid. One was found, and
the excursion made. Mr Hartley felt wonderfully better, but not many
weeks after his return the terrible ague again attacked him. Week after
week he was unable to perform his ordinary duty. He staggered to the
church, and in a voice which he could with difficulty render audible,
preached the glorious Gospel as before.

The parish did not suffer so much as it might have done, for Susan
visited the parishioners more frequently than ever. At length the
faithful wife herself fell ill.

The disease made more rapid progress in her weak frame than it had done
in that of her husband. Owen now compelled her to take the same
remedies which she had given to him; both lingered on, striving to do
their duty. The vicar was apparently getting better, and Susan revived
sufficiently to enable her to assist in the education of the younger
Owen. Year after year showed the ravages illness was making on their
frames; the doctor shook his head when the parishioners inquired after
them. Susan died first, Owen did not mourn as one