tter with it, in
which Mr. Harvey acquainted him, that it was in consequence of his
having so handsomely surrendered the property as soon as the claim was
substantiated, together with the knowledge how much the estate had been
improved during the ten years in which it had been in his possession,
which induced the new proprietor to behave in so liberal a manner. This
was very gratifying to Mr. Campbell, but the legal expenses proved
enormous, amounting to many thousand pounds.

Mr. Campbell read the sum total, and threw the heap of papers down on
the table in despair.

"We are still ruined, my dear," said he mournfully.

"Let us hope _not_," replied Mrs. Campbell. "At all events, we now know
the worst of it, and we must look it boldly in the face."

"I have not so much money as will pay this bill by nearly a thousand
pounds, my dearest wife."

"It may be so," replied Mrs. Campbell; "but still there is the
furniture, the horses, and carriages; surely, they are worth much more."

"But we have other bills to pay; you forget them."

"No, I do not; I have been collecting them all, and they do not amount
to more than 300_l._ as near as I can judge; but we have no time to
lose, dearest, and we must show courage."

"What then do you advise, Emily?" said Mr. Campbell.

"We must incur no more expense; our present establishment must be
dismissed at once. Send for all the servants to-morrow morning, and
explain what has occurred. This evening I will make it known to the two
girls and Miss Paterson, who must of course be discharged, as we can no
longer afford a governess. We must retain only the cook, housemaid, and
footman, and a groom to look after the horses until they are sold. Send
a letter to Mr. Bates, the auctioneer, to give notice of an early sale
of the furniture. You must write to Henry; of course, he can no longer
remain at college. We have plenty of time to consider what shall be our
future plans, which must depend much upon what may prove to be our
future means."

This judicious advice was approved of by Mr. Campbell. Miss Paterson was
greatly distressed when the news was communicated to her by Mrs.
Campbell. Mary and Emma Percival felt deeply for their kind
benefactors, but thought nothing of themselves. As Mrs. Campbell had
truly observed, they had been too well brought up. As soon as they were
informed of what had happened, they both ran to Mr. Campbell's room, and
hung upon his neck, declaring they would