ch as your duty is only what you owe to your Maker, and you
cannot do more than fulfil it: another must make amends for your past
delinquencies. If you intend to reform, invoke God's blessing, His
mercy, and His aid; not His curse.'

'God help me, then--for I'm sure I need it. Where's Milicent?'

'She's there, just coming in with her sister.'

He stepped out at the glass door, and went to meet them. I followed at a
little distance. Somewhat to his wife's astonishment, he lifted her off
from the ground, and saluted her with a hearty kiss and a strong embrace;
then placing his two hands on her shoulders, he gave her, I suppose, a
sketch of the great things he meant to do, for she suddenly threw her
arms round him, and burst into tears, exclaiming,--'Do, do, Ralph--we
shall be so happy! How very, very good you are!'

'Nay, not I,' said he, turning her round, and pushing her towards me.
'Thank her; it's her doing.'

Milicent flew to thank me, overflowing with gratitude. I disclaimed all
title to it, telling her her husband was predisposed to amendment before
I added my mite of exhortation and encouragement, and that I had only
done what she might, and ought to have done herself.

'Oh, no!' cried she; 'I couldn't have influenced him, I'm sure, by
anything that I could have said. I should only have bothered him by my
clumsy efforts at persuasion, if I had made the attempt.'

'You never tried me, Milly,' said he.

Shortly after they took their leave. They are now gone on a visit to
Hattersley's father. After that they will repair to their country home.
I hope his good resolutions will not fall through, and poor Milicent will
not be again disappointed. Her last letter was full of present bliss,
and pleasing anticipations for the future; but no particular temptation
has yet occurred to put his virtue to the test. Henceforth, however, she
will doubtless be somewhat less timid and reserved, and he more kind and
thoughtful.--Surely, then, her hopes are not unfounded; and I have one
bright spot, at least, whereon to rest my thoughts.

CHAPTER XLIII

October 10th.--Mr. Huntingdon returned about three weeks ago. His
appearance, his demeanour and conversation, and my feelings with regard
to him, I shall not trouble myself to describe. The day after his
arrival, however, he surprised me by the announcement of an intention to
procure a governess for little Arthur: I told him it was quite
unnecessary, not t