about the fortune that he meant to make. Nobody ever believed in him, saving his own relations, and when the crash came, they were utterly stricken down.

The details of the story were known to few. But there were some who knew that the overdose of morphia, which put an end to Archie's misspent life, was not taken by mistake. There were some who knew that he had not dared to face the consequences of crime; but that crime was never openly exposed. When the sisters found that the name of their father's oldest friend had been forged by their brother's hand, they restored the sum, and prayed that the family disgrace might be hidden from the pitiless world. Their pleadings were heard; but they purchased the silence at the expense of all their own property. Then, with Archie's little orphan girl-whose mother had died soon after her birth-they left Norwich, and prepared to face the dreary path of life.

Hester had been afflicted with spinal disease from her childhood; but in spite of weak health she contrived to teach a few young pupils who came to her in the mornings. Miriam's musical

talents opened a path for her, and she became organist of a small church in the suburbs of London. At length a letter from an old schoolfellow-married, and living in Alderport-informed her that the organist of St. Peter's had resigned his post, and advised her to become a candidate for the vacant office.

St. Peter's was the largest church in Alderport, and the post was an important one. A certain day was set apart for the election, and a celebrated doctor of music was appointed to hear the various candidates play, and pass judgment on their performances. There were fourteen candidates, and the great man fixed on Miss Miriam Lynne as the best player of them all. Her success had been hardly hoped for; it was received humbly and thankfully, as a proof of that heavenly care which watches over "the fatherless children." Sea-air had been recommended for Hester, and Alderport suited her. The worldly prospects of the Lynnes began to brighten; by taking the three services every Sunday, Miriam obtained an increase of salary, and succeeded, besides, in getting a goodly number of pupils.

A rural air still lingered about St. Peter's church, for the town had run away from it, leaving a few fields and green leaves in its vicinity. The sisters took lodgings in a quiet terrace overlooking one of those fields, and the murmur and bustle of Alderport only reached them faintly in this retired neighbourhood. Four little boys came daily to Hester, and received such good instruction, that their parents had already begun to sound Miss Lynne's praise. But Miriam would not suffer her sister to be burdened with too many pupils. Their first year in Alderport had just expired, and it had been a peaceful year to them both.

Their old schoolfellow had left the town six months after they had settled there. But she had introduced them to the Waynes, and in all Alderport there was not a better or worthier couple. As they were accustomed to hear the troubles of all sorts and conditions of men, it was not surprising that Hester Lynne soon made them acquainted with her whole family history. 'Many a one," says James Hamilton, "feels that he could pass right easily through the world if

66

he had no griefs to carry but his own. He feels that his sensitive system is just a contrivance for catching up other men's calamities." Such a man was Arnold Wayne. But his was too strong a spirit to be weighed down by his neighbours' crosses. It was his mission to show how they might be cheerfully borne, and to help to lighten them.

Like his Master, he went about doing good, and it was always quietly done. The results of his work were seen where the worker's hand was often unknown. He could be content to sow that others might reap- to plant that others might water. What mattered it to him if others gained the praise, when God gave the increase?

ANOTHER bright autumn day succeeded Miriam's birthday. She left the lodgings at halfpast nine, and began her round of music-lessons in Alderport, taking lunch in a pastry-cook's shop, and coming back again at half-past four. The door was not opened by the maid, but by Mrs. Wayne.

"You poor, tired creature," said the little lady, "here are all sorts of good things for you to eat: we have prepared a birthday feast. Lucy and I have done it all."

"Where is your own little Laura?"

"Oh, I would not bring her to-day. Her glee at meeting Lucy would have been rather overpowering, and I don't think Hester is strong enough to stand a great din."