m off, notwithstanding their
attempts to approach--a sullen sphere, which projected a dark shadow,
only to the edge of which the spirits could come, and which they made
repeated efforts to cross.

While Armstrong was suffering under these strange delusions, Felix
approached, to call him to breakfast. The black beheld him walking
backwards and forwards, with orderly and composed steps, and
congratulated himself upon the change since the day before. He had
not, however, ventured to address his master since being ordered away,
and uncertain how he would be received, preferred to be spoken to
first. With this view, he drew nigh one of the flower-beds, which
Armstrong was passing and re-passing, and pretended to busy himself
with tying up one of the rose bushes, then in full bloom. Armstrong
did not see Felix as he passed, so deep was his reverie, but
on retracing his steps, he observed a shadow on the path, which
occasioned him to lift his eyes, when he discerned the black. He
stopped and spoke.

"Felix," he said, "I was unkind to you yesterday. I ask your pardon."

"O, Mr. Armstrong," said Felix, his eyes protruding with astonishment,
"there is no 'casion. I say so many foolish things, it is no wonder
you out of patience sometime."

"No, Felix; it was a fancied superiority that made me speak harshly.
You have always been a good and faithful servant," he continued,
taking out his pocket-book, which he opened mechanically, as from the
force of habit, "and I wish I had it in my power to express better my
sense of the obligation. But why do I open it?" he said, closing at
the same time, and offering it to Felix. "You will find here what may
be of use to you, though I think there is little enjoyment purchasable
with money."

"Why! Mr. Armstrong," cried Felix, stepping back. "What for do I want
more money? I have enough, and you will please keep it, sir, to give
some poor man if you wish."

"You are right to despise it," said Armstrong. "It shows a superiority
of soul. Now here is this poor black," he went on soliloquizing,
though all the time Felix stood before him, "who has learned that
lesson of contentment which the generality never learn. Rich in his
poverty here, an inheritor of the skies, I have only insulted him by
so contemptible an offer." His head sunk upon his breast, his eyes
fell upon the ground, his pocket-book dropped from his unconscious
hand, and he resumed his walk. The negro stooped and picked it up,