have had more."

"These accidents are, I suspect, the consequences of our own
carelessness in nine cases out of ten," said Pownal. "At any rate, I
am sure it was my carelessness that occasioned mine."

"You speak as if it could have been avoided," said Mr. Armstrong.

"Certainly. Do you not think so?"

"I am not sure of it," said Mr. Armstrong. "There appears to be a
chain which links events together in an inevitable union. The very
carelessness of which you accuse yourself may be the means purposely
used to bring about important events."

"It has brought about very agreeable events for me," said Pownal. "I
am only afraid, from the care lavished upon me, I shall be tempted to
think too much of myself."

"It has scattered pleasure all around, then," said Mrs. Bernard,
kindly.

"Yes," said the Judge; "any attention we can render is more than
repaid by the pleasure Mr. Pownal's presence imparts. If he should
ever think more highly of himself than we do, he will be a very vain
person."

The young man could only bow, and with a gratified countenance return
his thanks for their kindness.