of this nature, and with
such belief we have given the foregoing pages to the people, in the
hope that it may prove, not merely a novel to be read, criticised and
laid aside, but to be thought over, and its truth examined, in the
daily lives of hundreds in our midst. It is true, that with the
license of all writers we may have embellished misery _as a whole_ to
a greater extent than reality, but if it is taken to pieces no
exaggeration will be discovered, and each picture drawn herein will be
found as truthful as our pen has depicted.

As the reader may desire to know what become of the principal
characters remaining, we anticipated their desire, by making enquiry,
and learned the following facts, which we give to make this work as
complete as possible.

Thirty days after the burial of Mrs. Wentworth, a large assemblage of
gaily dressed ladies and gentlemen assembled at the residence of
doctor Humphries to witness the marriage of Emma. The party was a
brilliant one; the impressive ceremony of the Episcopal church was
read, and Harry Shackleford was the husband of Emma Humphries. The
usual amount of embracing and congratulation occurred on the occasion,
after which the party adjourned to the dining room, where a sumptuous
supper had been prepared, and which was partaken of by the guests with
many compliments to the fair bride and bridegroom, while many toasts
were offered and drank, wishing long life, health and prosperity to
the young couple. The party lasted to a late hour in the night, when
the guests dispersed, all present having spent their hours in gaiety
and happiness.

No, not all, for apart from the throng, while the marriage ceremony
was being read, was one who looked on the scene with a sad heart. Clad
in deep mourning, and holding his child, by the hand, Alfred Wentworth
standing aloof from the crowd saw Emma and his friend united as man
and wife with deep emotion. It had been only a few years before, that
he led his wife to the altar and the reminiscences of the present
awoke, and stirred his grief, and brought back upon him, with the
greatest force, his sad bereavement. A tear started to his eyes, as he
thought of his present unhappiness, and he turned aside, to hide his
emotion from the crowd. Dashing the tear away, he offered his
congratulation and good wishes to the newly married couple, as he
thought, with calmness, but the quiver of his lips as he spoke, did
not pass unperceived by Harry, and as h