might gain a little rest, for his spirits seemed unusually depressed, when a letter was brought to her. It was from Edgar. The hasty perusal told her anxious, throbbing heart that, in a far-off land, among strangers, he had wept alone in secret for his sins, and with truth and humility had sought pardon from above; but not until he had obtained forgiveness from his old father, could he feel that his pleadings for reconciliation with God were answered.

When the father awoke, refreshed by his sleep, Caroline carefully told him of the letter and its contents. While she read it, tears thick and fast flowed down those aged cheeks, and he groaned as he thought of his son's sufferings far away. She read his plea for pardon, and looking up with a countenance full of love, joy and hope, she exclaimed-Do you grant it, father?'

'O yes?' said the old man, convulsively clasping his withered hands, while the tears flowed faster down his pale, sunken face. 'God knows I forgive him, and bless thee, too, my child!' and he clasped his trembling arms around her neck, and breathed his last.

After her father's death, Caroline made all effort possible to discover the true situation of Edgar, and won from him, by letter, the truth, that though engaged in business, he was often,

want.

from his ignorance in worldly affairs, in deep Her father's will-dictated in a moment of passion-had left him penniless. A part of her share was willingly sacrificed for him, and placed in his possession without listening a moment to a doubt of his right to it. She willingly relinquished her father's splendid establishment, and gave herself to the protection of the young clergyman in his humble home. All they have, above what is needed for their devoted to suffering humanity. worldly splendor, but they have sought the ornament of a 'meek and quiet spirit,' which in the sight of God, if not of man, is of great price. Edgar may never return to his home again, but ever will his heart respond to the touching lines of Byron to his sister,-for when all forsook and frowned upon him his sorrowing spirit could breathe,

simple wants, is

They covet not

In the desert a fountain is springing,
In the wild waste there still is a tree,
And a bird in the solitude singing,
That speaks to my spirit of thee.'

Miss Courtney paused from deep emotion. She had nerved herself for the recital which nothing but the strong hope of imprinting one deep and lasting impression on the hearts of those thoughtless young creatures, could have drawn from her. She had gained her desired end, for

not a word was lisped by the now thoughtful group as they raised their tearful eyes to Sophia. She arose, pale and trembling with emotion that sprung from a love she had suppressed for years, and hastily she returned to her silent apartment.

The shades of evening had gathered, and the group arose to depart wiser and better than when they first gathered there. Do you not think it is true,' said the volatile Harriet, who had almost forgotten her sadness, in wondering why the beautiful Sophia Courtney never married,-' do you not think it is true, as we have sometimes heard reported, that Edgar Norton was the first love of Miss Courtney, and when he became unworthy she could think of no other?' It was even so, Harriet.

CHAPTER X.

Temperance.

'Tis to thy rules, O temperance! that we owe All pleasures, which from health and strength may flow; Vigor of body, purity of mind,

Unclouded reason, sentiments refined.'

We are soon to part, patient reader, for I have but one more Grace to present to your notice; but though the last, it is not the least in importance; for it is the province of Temperance to preside over all the others, to guard them from the excesses which change virtues to vices, and make unsightly branches show themselves where once was a beautifully healthy growth and great promise of fruitfulness. By temperance we are not to understand that reference is made solely to one kind of indulgence that poisons the health of body and mind, ruins the happiness of home, distracts society, and spreads ruin and desolation on every side, and against the suppression of which so many strong and powerful measures are adopted and carried out; but we are to under

stand the restraints which the christian law of happiness requires us to put upon all our desires, that they all may be controlled in harmony with each other and moral excellence; and hence the maxim is correct, that 'restraint is the golden rule of enjoyment.'

It

All the passions of our being are good, rightly developed and directed; but the best may be prevented by intemperate indulgence. To those whose influence is felt at least throughout the little community of home, I would fain present this Grace in all its attractive powers. I would clothe it in the beautiful garments of an angel, that it might hover near them day and night. would touch their eyelids with the first beams of the morning sun, and bid them rise with the grateful orisons swelling in their hearts for the thousand sources of enjoyment and usefulness opened to them. It would disperse listlessness and check the uprising of vain and foolish desires; and would close the lips when anger or calumny would defile them. It would so guide them that they might pass through scenes of mirth and gaiety as the wise travelers of old passed through the valley of Baca-using not its enlivening draughts to excess, but only as means of refreshment and invigoration, to strengthen and bless.

While my thoughts dwell on this virtue, I am