from the
possibility of any thing like _that_, although, whatever were to
happen to me, I am sure Lucy's family would prevent"--

Charles broke in upon the sentence his brother found it difficult
to complete--"And can you expect distant or even near relatives to
perform what you, whose duty it is, neglect? Or would you leave those
dear ones to the bitterness of dependence, when, by the sacrifice or
curtailment of those luxurious habits which, if not closely watched,
increase in number, and at last become necessaries, you could leave
them in comfort and independence! We all hope for the leisure of a
death-bed--awful enough, come as it may--awful, even when beyond its
gloom we see the risen Sun of Righteousness in all his glory--awful,
though our faith be strong in Him who is our strength; but if the
consciousness of having neglected those duties which we were sent on
earth to perform be with us then, dark, indeed, will be the Valley of
the Shadow of Death. I do not want, however, to read a homily, my dear
brother, but to impress a truth; and I do hope that you will prevent
the possibility of these dear children feeling what they must feel,
enduring what they must endure, if _you_ passed into another world
without performing your duty towards them, and through them to
society, in this."

Mrs. Adams met her brother-in-law that day (people five-and-twenty
years ago did dine by day) at dinner, with an air of offence. She was,
of course, lady-like and quiet, but it was evident she was displeased.
Every thing at table was perfect according to its kind. There was
no guest present who was not superior in wealth and position to the
doctor himself, and each was quite aware of the fact. Those who climb
boldly sometimes take a false step, but at all times make dangerous
ones. When Charles looked round upon the splendid plate and stylish
servants--when the children were ushered in after dinner, and
every tongue was loud in praises of their beauty--an involuntary
shudder passed through his heart, and he almost accused himself of
selfishness, when he was comforted by the remembrance of the provision
made for his own little ones, who were as pretty, as well educated,
and as happy in their cheerful country home.

CHAPTER III.

The next morning he was on his return to Repton, happy in the
assurance his brother had given him before they parted, that he would
really lay by a large sum for the regular insurance of his life.