isfy herself as to its
authorship, and her surprise was immeasurable when she glanced at the
extended sheet and noticed the autograph of John Ferguson, and
throughout the whole epistle discovered the fervent breathings of a deep
affection for herself. From the reverie into which she fell, she was
aroused by the voice of her father, and retracing her steps slowly and
noiselessly to his bedside, while giving vent to her emotions in a deep
sigh, she placed the letter in his hands. The sick man glanced at it,
and then at the face of his daughter, who answered his enquiring look by
putting the question, "and this sacrifice, then, was for me?"

"Say not sacrifice, my child," replied the parent; "the young man has
prospered as he deserved. I periodically hear of his welfare; for,
believing from circumstances that transpired that you sympathized with
him, I felt an interest in his career. I now see that my surmises were
correct, that you loved one another, though nothing on the subject was
ever breathed between you; and I have no fear, if God spares me to rise
from this bed, but that I shall shortly see you both happy."

He was as good as his word; for, being soon sufficiently recovered to
resume his occupation, he took an early opportunity of corresponding
with young Ferguson, explaining how he came into possession of the
secret of his heart; how he had made himself acquainted with the course
of his life, relating the circumstance of his discovering his daughter's
feelings; and expressing his entire concurrence in their marriage, if
the young man retained his attachment. It is almost unnecessary to say,
this brought a response in person, and resulted in the happy union of
the young people. Mr. Williamson, whose business had not prospered very
well of late years, broke up his establishment and accompanied his
daughter and son-in-law to Sydney, where he settled; while the young
couple proceeded to the station of the bridegroom. It is at this spot we
now find them still located, happy and prosperous, and blessed with a
family of whom they were justly proud.

The eldest son, John, was a fine handsome young man, of about
two-and-twenty, tall and robust, with regular and pleasing features,
rather florid complexion, light brown hair, beard and moustache, with a
disposition kind and generous, and a manner sedate and retiring. Our
friend William, whose acquaintance we have already formed, was a fine
lively fellow of about twenty, not