was wrong. Suspecting the true cause, the eldest, unknown to him,
waited upon one of his clerks at his residence, and received from
him a full statement of her father's affairs. She begged that
nothing might be concealed; and so obtained all the information that
the clerk could give, from which she saw plainly that the family
would be entirely broken up, and worse than all, perhaps scattered,
the children from their father.

"On returning home, she took her younger sisters, and fully
explained to them the gloomy prospect in view. Then she explained to
them her plan, by which the force of the storm might be broken. In
it they all gladly acquiesced. This plan, they proceeded, unknown to
their father, to put into execution.

"It was about one week after, that the old man came home so much
troubled in mind that he was compelled to leave the tea-table, his
food untasted. As he arose, his children arose also, and followed
him into the parlours.

"'Dear father!' said the eldest, coming up to his side, and drawing
her arm around his neck--'do not be troubled. We know it all, and
are prepared for the worst.'

"'Know what, my child?' he asked in surprise.

"'Know that our condition is changed. And know more--that we are
prepared to meet that change with brave, true hearts.'

"The tears came into the daughter's eyes as she said this--not tears
for her changed prospect--but tears for her father.