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 ing baby in her arms. She started, smiled and bowed, when she saw who was the visitor. Her husband rose and assisted in placing the child in the cradle. The little woman then advanced to shake hands with the guest, and inquire for his health. He made quite incoherent replies to her questions, and seemed disturbed by her presence. She at length said:

"I hope that you have concluded to accept employ of my husband, and remain with us."

"I am no longer wanted," he answered, hoarsely, rising from his seat to go to the window.

As he did so, something from his pocket fell to the floor, with rather a sharp sound. The eyes of the young contractor were at once riveted upon this object; the wife also gazed, with uplifted hands. Augustus Reid turned about, and saw what had so moved them. He stood motionless, gazing in their faces. There, on the floor, right before them all, lay the strip of scarlet broad-cloth, bearing, in glistening white bead letters, the