pace. Gradually the confusion of his thoughts subsided.

"I wish I had remained at home," he sighed, as the image of his wife
arose distinctly in his mind. "Poor Mary! I broke my word with her,
though I promised so faithfully. Oh, dear! this weakness on my part
is terrible. Why was I so anxious to see Elbridge? there was no real
engagement, and yet I told Mary there was. I would not have her know
of this deception for the world. I forgot about dear little Ella's
being so sick; what if we should lose that little angel? Oh! I could
not bear it!"

Wilkinson stopped suddenly as this thought flashed over his mind. He
was soberer by far than when he left the house of Mr. Elbridge.

"I'll go home at once." He turned and began quickly retracing his
steps. And now he remembered the moving shadow on the wall, as he
stood, nearly three hours before, in front of his house, debating
with himself whether to enter or no. He heard too, in imagination,
the plaintive cries of his sick child, and the soothing melody of
its mother's voice as she sought to hush into sleep its unquiet
spirit.






CHAPTER II.