s, I
believe you are a good fellow. I have not forgotten my own courtship.
I will not stand in the way between you and your love for Clara in
anything right and reasonable. I had hoped we might have a good talk
together over the matter. This accident has made it impossible for a
time, at least; but I confide in you as an honest, true man. We must
wait for events to take shape. Meanwhile, let us pray God to give us
wisdom, and lead us into the way we need to go."

James Caxton listened to Mr. Hardy with a feeling of astonishment.
This was not the Robert Hardy he had known all his life; this was a new
man. For a moment his own hopes and fears were almost lost sight of in
the thought of the great change in the elder man. In a tumult of
feeling he went home, after begging Mrs. Hardy to send him word if
Clara became worse or if there were any service he could render the
family.

Robert went back upstairs where his wife sat by the side of the injured
girl.

"Mary," he said, "I must go down to the shops. You know I left word
with Wellman to do what he could in the office until I could get down;
but this accident has made it imperative that I be there myself. There
are details the men cannot attend to. I cannot do any more here, and I
must do what I can for the sufferers. God has been merciful to us,
dear. Our dear ones are spared to us. Oh, when I heard Bessie's voice
in that hell's pit it seemed to me God was taking pity on me for the
burden I am carrying this week! If she had been killed, I do believe I
should have gone mad. Pray for me, sweetheart!"

With a kiss and embrace Robert left the house; and even in the sorrow
of all her trouble Mrs. Hardy felt a great wave of joy flow through her
at the thought of a love come back to her. As she went to the window
and watched the tall, strong figure swing down the street, she almost
felt a girl again, and wondered if he would turn around and see her
there and toss his hat to her as in the old days. Yes; just before he
reached the corner where he had to turn he looked back up at the
window, saw his wife standing there, and took off his hat with a smile,
and she waved her hand at him and coloured as when her Robert used to
do the same thing while he was courting her.

"Two fools!" somebody says. Yes; two children of God, who have seen
His face and learned what all this life means.

Mr. Hardy found much to do at the shops. The accident necessitated
special