such days must come, and must
be borne with the rest of life's burdens.

That was his ring at the bell,--those were his firm, rapid steps! His
face glowed so brightly when he entered the little boudoir that
Madeleine exclaimed,--

"Your father must be much better! You carry the news written in shining
characters in your eyes."

Maurice related what had passed between himself and Mr. Emerson, to whom
he had just paid the promised visit, and concluded by saying,--

"Now, dearest Madeleine, I am enabled to repay your most opportune loan,
but not able to tell you from what misery and disgrace you saved me."

He laid a check upon the table as he spoke.

Madeleine was silent, and looked uncomfortable. Maurice went on,--

"You cannot _conceive_ my happiness at being so unexpectedly able to pay
this debt, though that of gratitude must ever remain uncancelled."

"At least, Maurice, I will not _deprive_ you of the happiness, since it
is one; and perhaps you will be more pleased when you know that this
money will enable me to make the last payment upon this house, which
will now become wholly mine. It has grown more dear to me than I
imagined it could ever become,--more dear through the guests whom it has
sheltered, and the associations with which it is filled. I never thought
of making it mine with so much joy."

"You will remain here then? You will continue your occupation?" asked
Maurice.

"Yes, undoubtedly."

"But," persisted Maurice, "do you not look forward to a time when you
will have another home?"

"I see no such time in the dim future," she returned. "Perhaps I may
become so rich that the temptation to retire will be very great; but as
I cannot live unemployed I shall first be obliged to discover some
other, wider, and nobler sphere of usefulness."

"But the home I mean," continued Maurice, with an air of desperation,
"is the home of another,--the home of one whom you love. Do you not look
forward to dwelling in such a home?"

Madeleine's "No" was uttered in a low tone, but one of unmistakable
sincerity.

"How can that be?" exclaimed Maurice, at once troubled and relieved.

"Do not try to read the riddle, Maurice. You will be happier in setting
it aside as one of life's mysteries which will be revealed in the great
day. Will you listen to a new song which I have been learning?"

"Will I listen? Will a hungry beggar gather the crumbs falling from a
rich man's table?"

Madeleine laughed and seated he