OR, CLARENCE MORTIMER. 29

ie

 

it was spacious, comfortable, and prettily
furnished. The gentleman who owned it
was seated in front of the glowing coal fire
in his own parlor, rubbing his hands with
an air of satisfaction. His wie, a matron
with a face fairly beaming with love and
good-will towards all the world, was seated
by his side. Both were laughing over the |
frolicsome pranks of four young boys who |
were sporting about the room, and two
gentle-looking girls upon the sofa were
smilingly discussing the anticipated pleas-
ures of the holidays. Suddenly there was a
ring at the door-bell.

«© ©Who can be out on sucha night as
this?’ said the gentleman, rather impa-
tiently, for he hated to have this scene of
domestic comfort marred by the presence of

2 Stranger.