"My dear Austin, his spirits are very good, I think," said my mother,
anxiously.

My father shook his head; then he took two or three turns about the
room.

"Shall I ring for candles, sir? It is getting dark; you will wish to
read."

"No, Pisistratus, it is you who shall read; and this hour of twilight
best suits the book I am about to open to you."

So saying, he drew a chair between me and my mother and seated himself
gravely, looking down a long time in silence, then turning his eyes to
each of us alternately.

"My dear wife," said he, at length, almost solemnly, "I am going to
speak of myself as I was before I knew you."

Even in the twilight I saw that my mother's countenance changed.

"You have respected my secrets, Katherine, tenderly, honestly. Now the
time is come when I can tell them to you and to our son."




CHAPTER V.