yesterday I met Mr. Owen returning from the
West, and when I thanked him for a piece of justice
we had not expected of him, he gruffly told me
he had never paid the debt, never meant to pay it,
for it was outlawed, and we could not claim a
farthing. John, I have laughed at you, thought
you stupid, treated you unkindly; but I know you
now, and never shall forget the lesson you have
taught me. I am proud as Lucifer, but I ask you
to forgive me, and I seal my real repentance so--
and so."

With tragic countenance, Di rushed across the
room, threw both arms about the astonished young
man's neck and dropped an energetic kiss upon his
cheek. There was a momentary silence; for Di
finally illustrated her strong-minded theories by
crying like the weakest of her sex. Laura, with "the
ruling passion strong in death," still tried to draw,
but broke her pet crayon, and endowed her Clytie
with a supplementary orb, owing to the dimness of
her own. And Nan sat with drooping eyes, that
shone upon her work, thinking with tender pride,--
They know him now, and love him for his generous heart."

Di spoke first, rallying to her colors, though a
little daunted by her loss of self-control.

"Don't laugh, John,--I couldn't help it; and
don't think I'm not sincere, for I am,--I am; and