the unhappy family; a change there was for the worse in the appalling
development of the infidel and socialistic tendencies of their impious
father. His language, less guarded, seemed to teem with new insults
against religion and God, and contributed to confirm the chill of
horror with which he was met by hapless children that sighed over the
loss of filial love. His late returns from the lodge, and occasionally
those sad ebullitions of intemperance, continued to be their deep
affliction.

In proportion as love twines itself around the heart it absorbs all
other feelings, it draws the passions like lentils around itself; so
the contrary feeling of hatred, when permitted to enter the sanctuary
of the heart, assumes at once a tyrannical sway, whose wicked demands
of gratification become more and more imperious and exacting day by
day, and rears a throne that becomes impregnable in proportion as the
sun is allowed to set on its possessions. Even filial love has
withered under the shadow of Cassier's worthlessness.

In lonely walks along the lake, in conversations, and in tears the two
girls lamented their fate. The beauty of virtue withered within their
bosoms. The resembled two beautiful flowers torn from their bed, and
cast with the weeds of the garden to taint in their decay the breezes
they would sweeten if left on their stem. They longed for the pleasures
that pleased in the day of prosperity; the dance, the banquet, and
those visits that won the momentary gratification of flattery and
admiration were sighed for. So irksome was the monotony and so
uncongenial the role forced upon them by disguise, they hailed with
joy the least circumstance that might be the harbinger of a change.

It is at hand. Once more the excitement of chase! The vigilance of