o, surely not, Frank? Tell me, do tell me what's been
the matter."

"We promised to let Hamilton tell the story," said Reginald.
"He has been, in a great measure, the cause of finding all out;
so make haste and go to him, for I want you back again."

Louis did not need any further bidding--he hurried his toilette,
and flew to the room that Hamilton enjoyed to himself. Hamilton
was up. An open Bible lay near him, which he closed as Louis entered.

"How are you, foolish boy, this morning?" he said, kindly--very kindly,
Louis thought, as he squeezed his hand.

"I am very well, thank you. Reginald's been telling me strange news
this morning."

"News?" said Hamilton. "He promised me--"

"Oh! I only know that Casson's gone, and Harris going, but he would
not tell me any more."

"Well, then, I will."

"Hamilton," said Louis, gently laying his hand on Hamilton's,
"may I ask one thing?"

"What is it?"

"Will you read a little of this with me first?" he said, timidly,
touching the Bible. "I have neglected it so lately. It would be so
pleasant before we begin any thing else. You do not know how difficult
it is in our room to be a minute quiet."

Hamilton had opened the Bible before Louis had finished, and bade
him select a chapter, which he asked him to read aloud.

Louis read the 7th Psalm, and the 14th of Hosea; and when he had
finished, he and his friend remained very silent.

Hamilton felt for Louis, though he did not know how soothingly
the sweet words fell on the soul of the erring boy; how unspeakably
precious had been the promise, that the backslider should be healed,
and the dew of the Spirit refresh him, and make him grow in grace.
Louis felt a wish to prolong those gracious words, "Ephraim shall say,
What have I any more to do with idols? I have heard and observed him;
I am like a green fir-tree, from me is thy fruit found!"

"Dear Hamilton," he said, at length, "I have a very great favor to
beg of you--would you let me come in a little every morning to read
with you? It would do me so much good."

"By all means," said Hamilton, perhaps a little shily; but it was
promise enough to call forth Louis' heartfelt thanks.

Hamilton then made Louis don a cloak of his, and stretching his own
legs, so as to rest them comfortably on the window where Louis was
sitting, he entered into a minute detail of the events of yesterday
afternoon, equally surprising and interesting to Louis.

It appeared that Hamilton