obstacles in the way of his adopted child's prosperity. Margery,
therefore, was allowed to pursue the bent of her inclinations, and
such an apt pupil was she that in a little over eighteen months her
debut was announced in the papers, and a crowded house showered
floral and other trophies on the beautiful debutante. Offers of
engagements from different cities came flowing in, and before long
Miss Margery Montague was announced to appear in Montreal. Her fame
had preceded her thither, and Fairfax was instructed to secure a box
for the Dombey family. Dombey himself (who had followed the career
of his child) tried hard to excuse himself from going, but his wife
was not satisfied to leave him at home; he sat in the back of the box,
and as the applause grew louder and louder, he showered costly
bouquets, and other offerings on the stage, his breast meanwhile
being torn by conflicting passions. How proud he would have been to
clasp her to his heart and call her his own; but he had willfully
put her away from him, and now, even could he receive her into his
family, would her adopted father be willing to give her up again.
With flushed face and beating heart he sought the manager, and
begged to be allowed to see the fair artiste, a favor which was
granted; and, as he stood before his child, and poured forth the
usual stereotyped compliments and congratulations, he bit his lips
as he thought that he dared not press her to his heart, but was
forced to speak to her in terms of cold politeness.

On their return from the Theatre Mrs. Dombey announced her intention
of calling on the talented actress, and the following day she went,
accompanied by her daughters, to the St. Lawrence Hall, at that time
the most fashionable hotel in the city, where she was cordially
received; and the young actress made such a favorable impression on
the ladies that they invited her to dine at their house on the