Thou openest the mysterious gate, —

Into the future's undiscovered land

I see its valves expand,

As at the touch of FATE! —

Into those realms of Love and Hate."

LONGFELLOW.




THE WIDE, WIDE WORLD.




CHAPTER I.

Breaking the News.


"Mamma, what was that I heard papa saying to you this morning
about his lawsuit?"

"I cannot tell you just now. Ellen, pick up that shawl and
spread it over me."