"Business requires me to go. I have seen your father, and have made
arrangements with him for you to go to his house, with the children,
while I am away. This property, as I have before told you, has to be
sold, and the sale will probably take place while I am gone."

"How soon will you return?"

"I cannot tell exactly; but I will come back as quickly as
possible."

There was something in the manner of her husband, as he made this
announcement, that startled and alarmed Mrs. Lawrence. She tried to
ask many questions, but her voice failed her. Leaning her head down
upon her husband's breast, she sobbed and wept for a long time.
Lawrence was much affected, and kissed the wet cheek of his wife
with unwonted fervour.

On the next morning, early, the unhappy man parted with his family.
His wife clung to him with an instinctive dread of the separation.
Tears were in his eyes, as he took his children one after another in
his arms and kissed them tenderly.

"God bless you all, and grant that we may meet again right early,
and under brighter skies!" he said, as he clasped his wife to his
bosom in a long embrace, and then tore himself away.

On the third day after Mr. Lawrence left, one of the city newspapers
contained the following paragraph: