measure to drive away thoughts
of the past; but, after a time I even grew weary of the sea; and when I
heard of the famous gold regions discovered in Australia, I felt a
strong desire to visit the place. The desire of making money had less to
do with my decision of going there than had the wish for change and
excitement of some kind. Accordingly, I abandoned my sailor life, and
made my way among the hundreds who were crowding to the gold regions of
Australia.

"At that time I was poor, for I had never possessed the faculty for
saving money. I was unaccustomed to the labors of mining, and in many
instances, the knowing ones took me in, and for a long time I realized
but little from my labors. But, as I persevered, against many
discouragements, year after year, I at length began to be successful. I
finally bought a claim, which, quite unexpectedly to me, yielded a
golden harvest, and I soon found myself rich beyond my most sanguine
expectations.

"Year after year I determined to re-visit Philadelphia; but, by this
time my mind had become much engrossed by money-making, and each
succeeding year brought fresh claims upon my time and attention.

"Time passed on, till I found myself fast growing old. I felt an intense
longing to return to the land of my birth, and spend the few years which
might remain to me of life in my native city. During my residence in
Australia I met with a man who informed me that he was in Philadelphia
at the time of my brother's marriage; and it was a severe trial when I
found, upon my return, that my brother, and his wife had both been many
years dead. During my homeward journey, I had formed the decision of
spending my remaining days in the home of my brother, as I wished for
quiet and repose. When I learned that they were both dead, all the
affection of my worn and world-weary heart turned toward their orphan
daughter."

Turning to me my uncle said,--

"Will you go, my dear child, and make bright the home of your aged
uncle?"

I was about to give a joyful assent, when the thought of the kind uncle
and aunt I must leave, caused me to hesitate. It seemed to me that they
possessed a claim upon my affections superior to any other, and I was at
a loss to decide as to what was my duty. I therefore remained silent,
not knowing what reply to make. Observing my hesitation, my uncle
Wayland said,--

"Lonely as we shall be without you, my dear Clara, I yet think it your
duty to go with your uncle C