object, Mrs. Leighton, in seeking this
interview, you will see, by the readiness with which I have responded to
your request, that I cherish no resentment toward you."

Becoming more composed, she replied to me in a low voice saying--

"As I was unable to go to you, I sent for you, that I may humbly ask
your forgiveness for the injustice you have suffered from me. I now
acknowledge, what you are probably already aware of, that it was a
foolish and false pride which influenced my conduct toward you, when you
left my house long ago. It requires reverses of fortune to convince us
of the vanity of all earthly things; and reverses have overtaken me, and
more than this; my failing health admonishes me that, unless a change
for the better soon takes place, my days on earth will soon be numbered.
During all the time that has passed since we have met, my mind has never
been at rest; for though too proud to acknowledge it, I have ever been
sensible that I treated you with cruelty and injustice. But my pride is
now humbled and I beg of you to forgive me; for, believe me, I have
suffered even more than you."

I extended my hand to her, saying,--

"I freely and fully forgive all the past, Mrs. Leighton, and I trust we
may be friends for the future."

After sitting silent for a few moments, Mrs. Leighton again addressed
me, saying,--

"Were it in your power, Clara, would you make me entirely happy?"

I replied that certainly I would. She regarded me earnestly as she
said,--

"Will you become Willie's wife?"

I knew not what reply to make to a question so unexpected. At length I
said,--

"Willie has been a long time absent. He may have changed his mind; or,
he may be already married."

"I will answer for all that," replied Mrs. Leighton.

"Willie is here. He arrived two days since, and would have called to see
you ere this, but I begged him to defer calling till I had seen you, and
acknowledged my former injustice to you; for I am now sensible that I
wronged a worthy and noble girl."

Remember, kind reader, that, although I had expected never again to meet
with Willie Leighton, I still loved him with all the strength of a first
love.

Before I could frame a reply to the last remark of Mrs. Leighton, the
door opened, and Willie, accompanied by his father, entered the room.

I pass over our meeting. But Mr. Leighton, soon after, placing my hand
in that of Willie, said,--"God bless you, my children; may you be
happy.