glowing hopes. I admire that fine City of the Antilles almost as
much as I do my beloved, native Queen City. I shall enjoy my new
home, I know. How could I do else than enjoy it? With a satisfactory
salary in our branch house, and a lovely young wife, a heathen might
well be happy. Now, old Mordecai can keep his gold, if he likes, and
ny father can do the same. The opposition has driven me to rely more
implicitly upon myself, thank the fates. I shall be able to 'paddle
my own canoe.' Leah looks something like those Spanish beauties,
only she's a trifle sadder in expression. I trust she'll be happy in
her new home, amid Cuban bloom and under azure skies. Heaven grant
her an unclouded life. I am delirious with joy; and for fear of
committing too much to your keeping, Journal, I'll stop writing.
Adieu."






CHAPTER XXII.





"AUNT BARBARA," said Leah, the day before the proposed departure of
the vessel that was to bear her away, "will you tell Mingo to leave
the key of the lodge hanging just inside the inner door to-night. I
may be coming in, or going out late, and he need not be disturbed,
if he will do that." These words were addressed to a middle-aged