A Temptation. 43

Healso liked singing and pleasant walks. When
the air was beginning to be more refreshing at
the close of a sultry day, he often felt, after a
hard day’s work, the wish to go and wander
amongst the vines, to breathe the fresh air; but,
however harmless, however unobjectionable this
pleasure was, he had very often the courage to
resist it. On the evenings when the fineness of
the weather invited him to remain out, he would
often take his drawing materials and books, and
seat himself to work and study on a small bench
neat Mrs. Ridler’s door. There was a glimpse
of the country to be seen from it—the air was
fresher than in the house—the chirping, and
occasionally the singing, of some birds in the
neighbourhood might be heard; and to him,
accustomed as he was to pass his evenings thus
quietly, these things, few as they were, afforded
real pleasure.

On the evening we speak of, Fred was seated
in his usual place. He was working diligently,
as the light was failing, and he wished to finish
the drawing he had commenced.

It was a sketch of one of the most compli-
cated machines in Mr. Kartmann’s factory. The
breathing of some one who was looking over his