his sister had had something to do with it, on which his wife
refused to live under the same roof with such a vile slanderer
('), and insisted that, before she returned, the lady _who had taken
away her character_ should leave the house. In fact, she managed the
affair so well, and exhibited such an amount of "cheek," that the
poor man actually sent his sister away, and drove with a magnificent
team of horses to bring home the woman whom he had refused to admit
into his house.

For several months they lived happily together, Mrs. Clarkson
_going on a visit to Montreal_ whenever it stated her. In process
of time she gave evidence of being _enceinte_, and old Clarkson's
joy knew no bounds, as he evidently rejoiced at the prospect of
having an heir. Had he known, however, that his wife, in visiting
Montreal, was invariably met by Randolph Thomson, it is questionable
whether his joy would not have been considerably moderated. Before
the child was born the old man died, leaving all his property to his
wife and his expected heir. His sister, who really was devoted to him,
was left without a penny, and entirely dependent on the charity of
Mrs. Clarkson. The widow, however, had not forgotten the part played
by Mrs. Clarkson during her brother's lifetime, and being now
steeped in wickedness, her better nature was almost entirely lost.
She turned the faithful sister from her door, and she, the false wife,
was with her illegitimate child (born almost immediately after the
old man's death) snugly installed in the home that in all equity and
justice should have belonged to the woman she ejected.

"_Facilis descensus Averni_."--It is wonderful how easy the descent
really is, when once the first false step is taken. As the avalanche,
which at first becomes slowly loosened from its lofty position,