d was much stirred by Mr. Martyn's words. He buried his head in
his hands, and when he looked up again, there were traces of deep
emotion on his face.

"Sir," he said, "I thank you from my heart; it's all true, and a deal
more than you've said, but I never heard it put so plain before. I've a
mind to come round to your place to-night; leastways, if my poor wife'll
spare me," added Richard, with unaccustomed consideration.

"I shall be delighted, Richard, if you'll go; and thank you, a thousand
times, for your kindness, sir," said Jane, her face beaming.

"You can come, too, if you like, Mrs. Watson," said Mr. Martyn.

"Me, sir! Do you mean it?"

"Why of course. You don't think we give invitations to married men
without including their wives?"

"That's a new idea," said Richard, "but I don't know but what it's a
good one. We shouldn't get into half so much trouble as we do if our
wives went about with us more. I'm glad to have you, Jane; it's a long
spell since you and me went anywhere together."

Satisfied with the success of his errand, Mr. Martyn led the way,
chatting to his companions, until they entered the hall. There were many
working-men already there, some lounging in chairs, or on forms, with
their papers or books; others deeply interested in the game of chess, or
draughts. A few were smoking, with glasses of refreshing, but certainly
not intoxicating, beverage before them. Richard was wonderstruck at the
novel scene, and its air of thorough homeliness.

"This'll be the place for me, Jane," he whispered.

An address had been announced for that evening, and Mr. Martyn was
expected to speak. After leading Richard and his wife to seats, he
mounted the platform at the end of the room, and in a friendly, familiar
style, commenced to talk with the company. Most of them laid aside their
occupations, well pleased to listen to one who was known to be the
friend of working-men, and ever ready to help them in the difficulties
and temptations of their daily life. Like dew on thirsty ground fell his
wise suggestions, his timely warnings, his earnest counsels, upon the
ears and hearts of the new-comers.

Responding to the invitation with which he closed, they, with two or
three others, stepped forward and asked to sign the pledge, tremblingly
venturing to hope that even for them the future might hold a new life.

We may take the liberty of raising the curtain which conceals it from
their view, and assuring our re