150 The Love of God.

me : but tell me, before you go, why you fo often
look unhappy? It is a poor return (though I now
touch on this fubject for the firft time in my life),
it is a poor return for the intereft I have taken in
you; and for the real love you know I feel to-
wards you !”

For a moment Reuben’s large dark eyes glanced
up at Theodore’s face; but they fank again as
quickly: his cheeks grew‘crimfon, and tears rolled
over them which he could not conceal.

“© What is the matter, Reuben; what is the
meaning of this? Am I loving one who does not
love me in return?”

“ You cannot love me, Sir!” ejaculated the
boy fo earneftly that it quite ftartled his compa-
nion.

‘Reuben, what can you mean? Have you
forgotten how I have taken you and acted by you
as if I had been your Father. I cannot love you!
What elfe but Jove for you has made me do what
I have done?”

“ That was all your goodnefs and the kindnefs
of your heart, Sir. You couldn’t love me when
you picked me up in the road. It was pity and
kindnefs, and it has been the fame ever fince;
not Love —” and the tears again ftruggled to his
eyes.

Theodore rufhed fuddenly from the room and
into his private apartment, and falling on his
knees, fpread his hands over his head in prayer.
“ My Lord and my God!” cried he folemnly,