156 THERE IS NO HURRY.

the possibility of these dear children feeling
what they must feel, enduring what they must
endure, if you passed into another world with-
out performing your duty towards them, and
through them to society, in this.”

Mrs. Adams met her brother-in-law that day
(people five-and-twenty years ago did dine by
day) at dinner, with an air of offence. She was,
of course, lady-like and quiet, but it was evident
she was displeased. Every thing at table was
perfect according to its kind. There was no
guest present who was not superior in wealth
and position to the doctor himself, and each
was quite aware of the fact. Those who climb
boldly sometimes take .a false step, but at all
times make dangerous ones. When Charles
looked round upon the splendid plate and styl-
ish servants—when the children were ushered
in after dinner, and every tongue was loud in
praises of their beauty—an involuntary shudder
passed through his heart, and he almost accus-
ed himéelf of selfishness, when he was comfort-
ed by the remembrance of the provision made
for his own little ones, who were as pretty, as
well educated, and as happv in their cheerful
country home ,