at fate so common to
mankind--fell in love and got married. The union proved to be a happy one;
and when, after years of separation, the uncle returned, he found in the
house of his friend a joyful wife and a beautiful, smiling daughter, a
child of seven years, with a sweet disposition, and a heart to love
everybody.

To this young child, Mr. Scofield--James Scofield was the uncle's
name--soon became very deeply and fervently attached, as did also the child
to him; He saw that the father had found a nearer and dearer friend than
himself, and he was glad in his heart to witness the happiness which
reigned in the peaceful home so sweetly cheered by love. Many persons would
have been jealous of the wife's ascendency in her husband's affections; but
instead of envying the wife, or feeling ill toward her, he came to love her
as a friend, not only for her own sake, but, also, because she made his
friend such a kind and amiable companion; and in the endearment of their
little girl, who soon learned to be his pet, he was repaid for any
exclusive companionship from her father that he might have monopolized had
he remained, like himself, a bachelor.

Four years after his return from the Indies, Mr. Scofield was called to the
bedside of his dying friend. In their last interviews he was charged with
the guardianship and care of the young girl, conjointly with the mother,
who was also recommended to his friendship, with the injunction ever to be
to her as a brother and a counselor. These trusts he accepted, with a
promise to be all to the dear ones he left behind that his friend could
wish; and this promise he faithfully kept. No friend, brother, father, or
husband could have been more attentive to the wants, or more solicitous for
the welfare of those entrusted to their protection or dependent upon them
than he was. He endeavored to anticipate their desires and necessities--of
advice and friendship, not of goods, for the friend was in good
circumstances, and had left them with plenty of means to live well and
comfortably all their lives--and in all things to be to them the kind
friend they needed.

A warm attachment existed between them. Many thought--and idle gossips
whispered it about--that the widow was soon to console herself for the
great loss she had sustained, by taking Mr. Scofield as a second husband;
but no such idea ever entered _their_ minds. Her heart was buried in the
grave with her husband; and he--ah, he had a sec