AN EVENING AT HOME. 49

 

Time passedon. Edward'Lindley grew up
and became a man of sound principles—a
blessing to his family and society. He saw
his sisters well married; and himself, final-
ly, led to the altar a lovely maiden. She
made him a truly happy husband. On the
night of his wedding, as he sat beside
Helen, he paused for some time, in the
midst of a pleasant conversation, thought-
fully. At last he said—

“Do you remember, sister, the night you
stayed home from the ball to keep me com-
pany ?”

“That was many years ago. Yes, I re-
member it very well, now you have. re-
called it to my mind.”

“T have often since thought, Helen,” he
said, with a serious air, “that by the simple
act of thus remaining at home for my sake,
you were the means of saving me from de-
struction.”

“‘ How so?” asked the sister.

“Twas just then beginning to form an
intimate association with young men of