that
disappointment in the matter of children was the cause of their mutual
aversion. If I were writing a romance instead of a narrative of facts, I
would here introduce an imaginary tender conversation between the pair.
But as no such conversation took place I have none to describe.

"Well," said I to myself--"this is a pretty state of affairs, truly. I
guess that if Mr. Romaine suspected any thing of this kind, there would
be the very devil to pay, and no mistake. But it's no business of mine;
and so I'll climb into my window and go to bed."

My employer was a very good sort of a man, and I sincerely pitied him on
account of his unhappy connubial situation. I turned away from the
kitchen window, and began to mount the shed in order to reach my
chamber. I had nearly gained the roof of the shed, when a board gave way
and I was precipitated to the ground, a distance of about ten feet.
Fortunately I sustained no injury; but the noise aroused and alarmed the
loving couple in the kitchen. Mrs. Romaine, in her terror and dread of
discovery, gave utterance to a slight scream; while Mr. Anderson rushed
forth and seized me in a rather powerful grasp. I struggled, and kicked,
and strove to extricate myself, but it was all of no use. With many a
muttered imprecation Anderson dragged me into the kitchen, and swore
that if I did not remain quiet he would stab me to the heart with a
dirk-knife that he produced from his pocket.

"You young rascal," said he "who employed you to play the part of a spy?
Did Mr. Romaine direct you to watch us? Is he lurking outside, in the
garden? If so, let him beware, for I am a desperate man, one not to be
trifled with!"

I explained everything to the entire satisfaction of both the gentleman
and lady, whose countenances brightened when they found that matters
were far from being as bad as they expected.

"Now, my boy," said Anderson, "just do keep perfectly dark about this
business, and I'll make your fortune. You shall never want a dollar
while I live. As an earnest of what I may hereafter do for you, accept
this trifle, which will enable you to gratify your theatre-going
propensities to your heart's content."

The "trifle" was a ten dollar gold piece. I had never before possessed
so much money; and no millionaire ever felt richer than I did at that
moment. Delightful visions of dramatic treats arose before me, and I was
happy.

Mr. Anderson made me drink a couple of glasses of wine, which