THEIR FAMILY TROUBLEs. 3l

his partner were again bankrupt. Edwards accused
his partner of roguery and mismanagement, and sume
person who accidentally had seen Phebe in London
brought news of her wan and care-worn appearance.

The relations thought more of her distress than of
the loss of their money. For two more years nothing
was heard of them ; and how they lived never came
to their relations’ knowledge. At length, one winter's
day, 8 woman wrapped in a large plaid cloak knocked
at the private door and begged to speak with Mrs.
Osborne alone. After some hesitation she was
brought in; and when they two were together, she
announced herself as Phebe Edwards.

“I know how shocked you are to see me,” said
she, “I am greatly changed; but that is of small
account, J am become regardless of my looks.”

The good people wept over her ; and received her
as the father in the gospel received his prodigal son.

“You are come to stay with us,” said they, “ you
will never leave us again.”

“I am going again to-night,” said Phebe, “ my
business is urgent. I dared not write, nor would I
let Edwards come himself.”

She then explained that by the kind interference
of a gentleman who had known her husband in
Liverpool, he had the chance of a situation in a
banking-house in London, provided some responsible
man would be surety for him to the amount of five
hundred pounds. Phebe paused ; for the money
her brother-in-law had already lost by her husband
was in her mind, and she saw that it was in his also.

“I know your thoughts,” said she, “‘and because
you have already suffered so much, F would not
write to you; but, brother, it is the privilege of the

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