m that you were probably in this State), and commenced
inquiries. An advertisement of mine met Benton's eye only two days ago,
and you may imagine my pleasure at the discovery of my only and dear
son, so long lost to me. He is a fine, manly fellow, and good; for which
I have to thank you, of course."

"You see, he appropriates Benton at once. Never so much as 'by your
leave.' But Benton will not quit me to follow this new-found father,"
Mrs. Greyfield said, with much feeling.

"He may not be put to the test of a choice. You have a proposition to
consider," I replied. "Let me read it."

"No, no! Yet, read it; what do I care? Go on."

"My daughter, Nellie, is the very picture of her mother, and as sweet
and good as one could desire. Benton seems to be delighted with her for
a sister. And now that the young folks have taken such a fancy to each
other, there is something that I wish to propose to you. It cannot be
expected, after all that has passed, and with the lapse of so many
years, we could meet as if nothing had come between us--"

"Who suffered all this to come between us?" cried Mrs. Greyfield, much
agitated.

"But I trust we can meet as friends, dear friends, and that possibly in
time we may be re-united, as much for our own sakes, as the children's."

"Oh, how can I ever forgive him? Does it not seem to you that if Mr.
Greyfield had done his duty, all this terrible trouble and illegal
marrying would have been avoided? Do you think a man should consider
anything in this world before his wife and children, or fail of doing
his utmost in any circumstances for them? How else is marriage superior
to any illicit relation, if its duties are not sacred and not to be set
aside for anything? I could never have done as he has done, blameless as
he thinks himself."

The condition of Mrs. Greyfield's mind was such that no answer was
written or attempted that day nor the next. She sent a brief dispatch to
Benton, asking him to come home, and come alone. I wished to go away,
thinking she would prefer being left quite to herself under the
circumstances, but she insisted on my remaining until something had been
decided on about the meeting between her and Mr. Greyfield. Benton came
home as requested, and the subject was canvassed in all its bearings.
The decision arrived at was, that an invitation should be sent to Mr.
Greyfield and daughter to visit Mrs. Greyfield for a fortnight.
Everything beyond that was left entirely