his sorrows--he was alone in the world, but need it always
be so? and again he listened, deep in thought, to the spirit voices
which the roar of the river seemed to carry into his soul. What a
change would Will's presence bring into his life. How much ruddier
would be the glow of the fire! how much more cosy the lonely hearth!
How pleasant it would be to see him always seated at the well-appointed
table! how the silver and glass would sparkle! how they would wake the
echoes of the old house with happy talk and merry laughter! and the old
man became quite enamoured of the picture which his imagination had
conjured up.

"Yes," he said aloud, for there was no one to hear him, "I will no
longer live alone; I will adopt Will as my son and heir. I think he is
all I could wish him to be, and I believe he will reflect credit on my
choice."

And when he closed the window and turned to his book and reading-lamp
it was with a pleased smile of content, and a determination to carry
out his plans without delay. Will should be fully informed of his
intentions.

"It will give him confidence," thought the old man, and the feeling of
kinship which had so long slept within him began to awake and to fill
his heart with a warm glow which he had missed so long, though perhaps
unconsciously.

In the following week Will came for a two days' visit, and Dr. Owen
looked forward to their evening smoke with eager impatience. When at
last they were seated in the smoking-room and Will had, with thoughtful
care, pushed the footstool towards him and placed the lamp in his
favourite position on the table at his back, he no longer delayed the
hour of communication.

"Thank you, my boy, I quite miss you when you are away; you seem to
fall into your place here so naturally I almost wish your college life
was over so that I might see more of you."

"It would be strange if I did not feel at home here, you are so
indulgent to me, uncle. If I were your own son I don't think you could
be kinder."

"Well, Will, that is what I want you to become--my own son, the comfort
of my declining years, and the heir to my property when I die. Does
that agree with your own plans for the future, or does it clash with
your inclination?"

"Sir! Uncle!" exclaimed Will, in delighted astonishment, "how can I
answer such a question? Such a change in my prospects takes my breath
away. What can I say to you? I had never thought of such a thing,"
and he rose, w