ry sad.

"I often wonder," said Mr. Humphrey, addressing his wife, "in what duty
I have failed to Ernest. I have endeavored to set before him a good
example, and to do by him in all things as I would have done by my own
son. I have prayed with and for him; and yet since quite a little child,
he has been a source of grief and anxiety to us, by his evil conduct."

"I am conscious," replied Mrs. Humphrey, "that I have erred in his early
training, by too often yielding to his childish will, rather than
administer punishment to enforce obedience from him. I meant well, and
if I have done him a wrong it is now too late to remedy it. I can only
pray that he may yet forsake his evil ways. To-morrow will be his
birth-day, let us hope that the contents of the package which so many
years ago, his poor mother entrusted to my care, may have some influence
for good upon his future life."

While they were yet speaking a rap sounded at the door. Mr. Humphrey
rose and opened it, but stood speechless, when he beheld Ernest
supported by two or three of his companions. At the first he supposed
him either hurt or seriously ill. But upon going near to him what was
his amazement when he discovered that he was too much intoxicated to
allow of his walking without assistance. This was something entirely
unexpected. Some had hinted that, added to his other faults, he was
acquiring a taste for strong drink, but those whispers never reached the
ears of Mr. Humphrey or his wife. And when he was brought home in this
state, they had no words adequate to describe their feelings.

Dismissing his companions they assisted him into the house, and to his
room, Mrs. Humphrey only saying, "poor misguided boy, what will become
of him?"

When they returned to the sitting room their minds were too much
agitated to allow them to converse. After some time passed in silence,
Mr. Humphrey said, "we will not attempt to talk of this new sorrow
to-night, but we will pray for the poor boy as well as for ourselves,
before we retire to rest."

Opening his Bible, Mr. Humphrey read the forty-sixth Psalm, then
kneeling, he poured out his troubled soul in prayer. He prayed earnestly
for the poor youth now lying in the heavy sleep produced by
intoxication. He also prayed for forgiveness, if they erred in the
management of the boy, and for future aid in the performance of their
duty. Could the boy have heard the prayer which Mr. Humphrey sent up to
heaven on his behalf,