od and a heart free from selfish desires and habits. I thank
you for your attention. You will know better why I have said all this to
you when you come in here again to work next Monday. My brothers, God
bless you. God bless us all!"

When Robert stepped down from the planer and started towards the door,
more than one black hand was thrust into his with the words, "God bless
you, sir!" He felt a strange desire to weep. Never before had he felt
that thrill shoot through him at the grasp of the hand of his brother
man. His speech had made a profound impression on the men. Many of them
did not understand the meaning of certain sentences; but the spirit of
Mr. Hardy was unmistakable, and the men responded in a manner that
touched him deeply.

He finally went into his office; the big engine started up again, and the
whirr and dust and clamour of the shops went on. But men bent over their
work there, in the gathering dusk of the winter day, who felt a new
heart-throb at the recollection of the pale face and sincere word of the
man who had broken a selfish silence of a quarter of a century to call
them brothers. O Robert Hardy, what glorious opportunities you missed to
love and be loved! With all your wealth you have been a very poor man
all your life until now, the next to the last day of it!

There is little need to describe the rest of this day. Robert went home.
Everyone greeted him tenderly. His first inquiry was for Clara. Still
in that trance-like sleep; would she never wake? Mrs. Hardy shuddered
with fear. She had spent much of the day in prayer and tears. The
evening sped by without special incident.

James Caxton came and joined the family circle. His presence reminded
Mr. Hardy of the old quarrel with the young man's father. He said to
James that if anything should prevent him from seeing his father the next
day, James might tell him how completely and sincerely he wished the
foolish quarrel forgotten, and his own share in it forgiven.

So that day came to a close in family conference, in tears, in fear and
hope and anxiety and prayer. But Mrs. Hardy would not lose all hope. It
did not seem to her possible that her husband could be called away the
next night.

SUNDAY--THE SEVENTH DAY.

Alice, with the quickness of thought that always characterised her,
planned that all the rest should go to church while she remained with
Clara. Will was able to go out now. So, for the first time i