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 I am quite relieved. You have taken a weight off my heart, Mrs Mason, by your account. If he has sense to apply to business, I shall put him in the way of doing it, and all may yet be well. Go, Mary, and bring him to us. I believe the poor fellow is ashamed to shew his face."

Mary went out, and soon returned, leading in her brother-in-law, who wore indeed a very humbled and mortified aspect; and though much cheered by the reception given him by Mr Stewart, he seemed evidently afraid to approach his wife, who, with averted face, sat sad and dejected, twisting the string of her apron in the corner. Some days elapsed before she could be brought into spirits; but the absolute annihilation of all her vain hopes and aspiring views, had already produced a salutary effect upon her temper.

Of all the plans of life that were suggested to Mollins, that which seemed most agreeable to his wishes, was an employment in the West Indies, which he knew