OR, CLARENCE MORTIMER. 35

 

he: children by her unexpected good fortune.
The lady went back to her parlor, happier
for the deed of kindness which she had done,
and her own cosey fireside seemed the
brighter to her that she had tried to give
comfort to another home.

‘« « You have been a long time away; my
dear,’ said the husband, who had thrown
himself upon the sofa, and was already half-
dozing. *« What did the woman want?’

‘<< Tt was a case of great distress, as far

as I could judge,’ said the lady. «I did

all that I could to-night, and I mean to do

still more for her. I seldom have had my

sympathies so much moved. I did not ask

the woman a question about her circum-
stances, and yet I feel sure that she is no
common person.’

‘¢ And then the children gathered eagerly