re work was done that day, and in the evening they all
sat round the kitchen fire and talked over the intelligence they had
received until long after their usual time of retiring to bed.

"I have been thinking, my dear Emily," said Mr. Campbell, the next
morning before they quitted their sleeping-room, "what a very seasonable
supply of money this will be. My funds, as you have seen by the account
of my Quebec agent, were nearly exhausted, and we have many things yet
to procure. We shall require horses next year, and we must increase our
stock in every way; indeed, if we could have another man or two, it
would be very advantageous, as the sooner we clear the ground, the
sooner we shall be independent."

"I agree with you, Campbell; besides, we shall now have Alfred's
half-pay, poor fellow, which will help us very much; I have been
thinking more of him than any thing else this night; I watched him when
he read Captain Lumley's letter, and I well understood the cause of his
seriousness for some time afterward; I almost feel inclined to let him
return to his profession; it would be painful parting with him, but the
sacrifice on his part is very great."

"Still it's his duty," replied Mr. Campbell, "and, moreover, absolutely
necessary at present, that he should remain with us. When we are more
settled and more independent of his assistance we will talk over the
subject."

In the meantime, Mary and Emma had gone out as usual to milk the cows.
It was a beautiful clear day, but there was a bracing air which cheered
the spirits, and the sunshine was pleasantly warm in situations
sheltered from the winds; one of the few fine days just before the
rushing in of winter. They had milked their cows, and had just turned
them out again, when they both sat down with their pails before them on
a log, which was in front of Malachi's lodge, now used as a cow-house.

"Do you know, Mary," said Emma, after a pause, "I'm almost sorry that I
have received a letter from Miss Paterson."

"Indeed, dear Emma!"

"Yes, indeed it has unsettled me. I did nothing but dream all last
night. Every thing was recalled to my mind--all that I most wished to
forget. I fancied myself again engaged in all the pursuits of our
much-loved home; I was playing the harp, you were accompanying me on the
piano as usual; we walked out in the shrubberies; we took an airing in
the carriage; all the servants were before me; we went to the villages
and to the almshouse