in life to receive once before this time. You
remember, although years have since passed, the letter that was brought
to us in our little parlour--"

"Which put you in possession of Wexton Hall, Campbell."

"Yes, I did refer to that; but I will not keep you all in longer
suspense. This is but a counterpart of the former letter."

Mr Campbell then read as follows:--

"May 7th, 18--.

"Dear Sir,--It is with great pleasure that we have again to
communicate to you that you may return, as soon as you please, and
take possession of the Wexton Hall property.

"You may remember that many months back Mr Douglas Campbell received
a fall from his horse when hunting. No serious consequences were
anticipated, but it appears that his spine was injured, and after some
months' close confinement, he expired on the 9th of April. As Mr
Douglas Campbell has left no issue, and you are the next in tail, you
have now undisputed possession of the property which you so honourably
surrendered some years since.

"I have taken upon myself to act as your agent since Mr Campbell's
decease. Mrs D. Campbell has a handsome settlement upon the
property, which will of course fell in upon her demise. Waiting your
commands,

"I am, dear sir,

"Yours truly,

"J. Harvey."

"Mr Campbell, I congratulate you with all my heart," said the Colonel,
rising up, and taking his hand. "You have proved yourself deserving of
such good fortune; Mrs Campbell, I need hardly add that my
congratulations extend to you."

Surprise at first rendered Mrs Campbell mute; at last she said--

"We are in the hands of Him, and do but execute His will. For your
sake, my dear Campbell, for the children's sake, perhaps, I ought to
rejoice--we hardly know. That I am happy here, now that my children
have been restored to me, I confess. I doubt whether that happiness
will be increased by the return to Wexton Hall; at all events, I shall
leave this place with regret. We have had too many revolutions of
fortune, Campbell, since we have been united, not to have learnt by
experience that a peaceful, quiet, and contented home is more necessary
to our happiness than riches."

"I feel as you do, Emily," replied Mr Campbell, "but we are growing
old, and have been taught wisdom practically, by the events of a
chequered life. Our children, I perceive, think otherwise--nor do I
wonder at it."

"I shan't go," said John; "I shall only