d of each. "I say that
they are worthy of each other. He by his earnest, unwavering love for
his lady fair, and earnest, untiring endeavors to serve his State--who
has now won the respect and confidence of his countrymen--he alone is
worthy of the woman ever constant to her early love, yet never
faltering in her chosen path of filial duty."

* * * * *

WHY HE WAS MERCIFUL.

BY FRANCES HENSHAW BADEN.

Who made the heart, 'tis He alone
Decidedly can try us;
He knows each chord--its various tone;
Each spring--its various bias;
Then at the balance let's be mute--
We never can adjust it;
What's done, we partly may compute--
We know not what's resisted.--ROBERT BURNS.

"How is it, my old friend, that you are so very lenient to these young
thieves? Your sentence was very unexpected. Every one thought you
would, at least, send them to the State's prison for three or four
years. The young rascals were amazed themselves. The House of
Correction for six months has not much terror for them. Do you know
that it has become a common saying among the members of the bar that
our venerated and respected judge has a strong sympathy--in a word, a
fellow-feeling--for all young thieves! I think you will have to commit
a few of those gentlemen for contempt."

"I do not wonder, at all, Mr. Archer, at any, indeed, every one,
thinking and saying as much," said Mrs. Morley, the wife of the judge,
just entering the room in time to hear the concluding part of Mr.
Archer's remarks. "Only a few months ago the judge could not possibly
help sentencing a boy to the State's prison; but, before the time for
entry came, he succeeded in getting his pardon; and, more than this,
he has brought him here, into his own home-circle, with the idea of
reforming him."

"My dear wife, have you any cause, so far, to think I shall fail? Has
not the boy proved grateful and worthy?" asked the judge, in a mild,
though very sad, voice.

"Yes, yes; but how you can have any patience with such characters, I
cannot imagine," answered his wife.

"Sit still, Archer, if you have no engagement; I am going to tell my
wife a little story, which will probably explain my charity toward
those unfortunate youths that you have spoken of; and, indeed, all
such. You, as my oldest and most valued friend, shall share the
hearing, if you wish."

"Many thanks for the privilege, with my deep apprecia