he resort of traders in books; and happening to see the
antiquated house in Amen-Corner, the strangers thought it had a
pleasant likeness to their old home; so they purchased it at the
expense of nearly all they possessed, except their printing-press,
with which they established themselves there, determined never to
part, but live together in the country of their fathers.

Hard by there lived a widow of German parentage, whose husband had
been a printer; but he and his seven children were all dead. Gunhilde,
for such was her name, was old, poor, and lonely, and she became their
housekeeper. Years of resolute toil and prudent frugality passed over
the brothers, till they were no longer strangers in old London, nor
inconsiderable among the inhabitants of the Row. Their press had done
its part in the work of the times. They had printed the 'Book of
Sports' and the 'Westminster Confession;' broadside ballads concerning
Robin Hood and Maid Marian; and heavy folios on Free-will and
Predestination. Christopher and Hubert had increased in substance also
to a degree never dreamed of in their German home. The dealers in
books began to talk of them as somewhat notable men; but cares and
causes of division had come with property and importance. In some
respects, the brothers were of the same temper: both were earnest,
brave, and high-spirited--strong to will, and steady to work. They had
been faithful friends and loving brethren through many a change and
trial; but there was a grievous fault in both. Each was given to exact
from the other's friendship, though in a different fashion; for
Christopher expected too much of inward affection, and Hubert had too
much respect to outward observances. Alike, on the ground of
resemblance and of difference, sprang up the roots of bitterness which
troubled their days. At first, their strangership, their strivings to
live and thrive in the English land, and, above all, the memory and
loving counsels of their lost Gottleib, had bound them heart and hand
together; but as the years of manhood hardened heart and mind, as
increasing gains brought leisure and anxious looks on life,
differences of opinion, of tastes, and of inclinations, gradually
crept in between them, and their elder brother waned away from their
remembrance, far off among the scenes and familiars of youth.

Time brought further occasion of discord: the house of an English
bookseller at the foot of the Row had grown more attractive