C- would arrive, and by no means concealing his apprehensions and distress of mind, by expresssions of hope and belief that the child was a shade better.

The well-intentioned maid had, perhaps, not very wisely brought forth the new toys-inclusive of the splendid wagon-with the hope of amusing the wakeful child; and the bed was literally covered with them-but "Darling Denham" was far too ill to heed his treasures. There he lay-the heavy, croaking breathing sounding like a dreadful knell, and apparently insensible to all that was said. Now and then, however, this apathy gave way to a fretful crying, and, on one of these occasions, he muttered, distinctly enough to be understood, "Mamma, mamma-I want mamma!"

"Yes-yes-send for his parents by all means," said Mr. Hamilton; "have you their address?where do they live? Let us send directly."

It seemed that the moment was come, or else, that Mrs. Hamilton was quite unequal to further concealment. She threw herself into her husband's arms, exclaiming, "Oh! that you would indeed send for them! My poor-poor William!"

"What-what!

And you-you, Mary, have thus deceived me!" cried Mr. Hamilton seemingly

half bewildered.

"Let him plead," interposed Reginald, pointing to the suffering child; but Mr. Hamilton had already extricated himself from the arms of his wife, carefully, but not gently—and now he cast a look, on his son, in which sorrow and reproof were strangely mingled, adding

"And you, Sir, have aided the cheat!"

He moved to leave the room, and yet for one moment his eyes were bent upon little Denham. No one caught the glance, or could tell exactly what was the expression his countenance bore; it was remarkable, however, that he closed the door of the sick chamber softly after him; but, in another moment, the lock of his own dressing-room was heard to turn. Poor Mrs. Hamilton seemed struck to the earth; she could not even surmise his mood. If he were angry, she knew full well he would not indulge in a noisy, vulgar fit of passion; if he were softened, she might have known his pride would check the display of his feelings!

measures adopted, and the dangerous crisis was passed. The Angel of Life had chased away the dark Shadow of Death. So deeply, joyously grateful did Mrs. Hamilton feel for this mercy of Providence, that mind and body seemed strung anew with energies to encounter any trials, so the one dreaded calamity were suffered to pass away. Thus is it often with the best and wisest of us: we fret and fume at minor trials, and magnify them to the imagination, until the shadow of some mighty evil presses near, and, by comparison, shows us their just proportions.

Reginald was scarcely less rejoiced than his mother, and as he shook Dr. C- warmly by the hand, and stooped to kiss poor little Denham, he felt renewed strength and determination to fulfil his purpose. Meanwhile, Mr. Hamilton had left his dressing-room, and withdrawn to a morning-room, commonly called the library, whither he had ordered his breakfast to be taken. Not without some trepidation, Reginald knocked at the door, but he was answered by a quiet, "Come in." His father was dressed as usual, ready to go to the counting-house; but it was equally evident that he had not the nerve

to do so. Perhaps he could not tear himself from the house where the sick child lay; perhaps he was not yet prepared to meet Mr. Merrythorpe, conscious as he already must have been, that his worthy little partner was of the conspiring party. Nobody likes to be deceived; and few people bear the revelation of a cheat with equanimity, even if it has been practised for their good. Reginald felt intuitively that this was the case, without pausing to analyse his thoughts, and was prepared for bitter words and wrathful looks. It was not, however, precisely one or the other which he had to en

counter.

66

Forgive me, dear father, for intruding," began Reginald, as he advanced towards him, "but whatever resentment you may feel towards my mother and myself for the part we have taken, we both are sure that it will be a satisfaction and happiness for you to know that the child is pronounced out of danger."

"Thank God for it!" ejaculated Mr. Hamilton; "with the poor infant I have no quarrel; though it is hard upon me that such an instrument should have been chosen with which to afflict me anew.