brief words I informed her of the circumstances which had
caused me to leave Mrs. Leighton so suddenly; at the same time, asking
her if she was willing to afford me a home for a short time, till I
could obtain another situation?

"My dear Clara," she replied, "to my home you are freely welcome for any
length of time you may wish to remain. To-morrow we will talk further of
the matter, but not another word to-night, for you look very much
fatigued."

The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Burnside, and an aunt of Mrs.
Burnside's, who resided with them. They had two daughters, but they had
both married and removed a long distance from their early home. Mrs.
Burnside offered to conduct me to my room, which offer I gladly
accepted, for I wished to be alone. The excitement which had sustained
me through the events of the past few hours had now subsided; and, when
left alone in my room, I sat down to reflect calmly upon my situation. I
could not but feel justified in the step I had taken; but I could not
avoid a feeling of uneasiness when I reflected that I was now homeless.
I did not wish to remain long with Mrs. Burnside, as I well knew they
would accept of no compensation from me; and, for that reason, I felt
the necessity of obtaining another situation as soon as possible; but I
could come to no decision till after conversing with Mrs. Burnside upon
the subject. After kneeling and imploring the protection and guidance of
my Heavenly Father, I retired to rest, and, as I was worn out by the
exciting events of the evening, sleep soon furnished a welcome relief
from all anxious thoughts.

I was greeted kindly by Mr. and Mrs. Burnside the next morning, when we
met at the breakfast table. The aunt, being somewhat of an invalid, did
not usually take her morning meal with the family. The only allusion to
my circumstances was made by Mr. Burnside, who said I had better defer
any conversation upon the subject for the present, and that, in the
meantime, he wished me to consider his house as my home.

About eleven o'clock that morning, as I was sitting in the room with
Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Burnside's aunt, the servant came up to inform me
that a young gentleman was in the parlor, who wished to see me. Looking
at the card which the girl handed me, I read the name of Willie
Leighton. I was sorry to wound his feelings; but, when I left their
dwelling, I firmly resolved that I would never intentionally meet with
Willie again. I therefor