ght him to be worthy, in every respect, of the bride
he had won.

Happy days pass swiftly by, and the morning soon arrived when we must
bid each other adieu. Before we parted, Mrs. Harringford drew a costly
diamond ring from her finger, and, placing it upon mine, said,--

"Wear this, my dear Clara, for my sake; and, when you look upon it think
of me, who will often think of you, and will pray for your happiness
both here and here-after."

The moment of parting had arrived. We parted on the piazza of the
Profile House; they to proceed on their journey, and I to return to my
uncle and aunt.

I have never since met with Mrs. Harringford. The ring she gave me at
parting still encircles my finger, and when I gaze upon it I often think
of the loved friend who placed it there.

I received an affectionate welcome from my uncle and aunt upon my
return, and I was truly glad to find myself once more at home. Mrs.
Harringford had promised to take an early opportunity of writing to me,
and I had requested her to give me some account of the Leightons.
Separate from other causes, I felt anxious to hear from Birdie and
Lewis, for I was strongly attached to those two affectionate children. A
letter from her arrived in due time. After giving me information of many
of my former friends, she said,--

"And now, Clara, it only remains for me to give you an account of my
visit to Mrs. Leighton, although I fear I shall give you pain instead of
pleasure by so doing. When I called on Mrs. Leighton, I was struck with
surprise at her changed appearance. You doubtless remember, Clara, what
beautiful hair Mrs. Leighton had. You will scarcely credit me when I
inform you that it is now thickly sprinkled with grey. She appeared like
one who struggled with some secret sorrow. An air of sadness seemed to
reign in the home, where formerly all was joy and happiness. Mrs.
Leighton so strongly urged us to spend the night with them that we could
not refuse. Laura was absent, visiting some friends in the country.
Georgania and Bertha were both absent, attending school. Lewis has not
yet been sent from home, but attends school in the city. He has grown a
fine, manly-looking boy. He made many enquiries of me, if I had seen or
heard from you? I was sorry that I was not at liberty to tell him how
lately I had seen you, for I am sure that it would have afforded him
much pleasure. My enquiry for Willie caused a pained expression to cross
the countenance of bo