mpbell, of course, took charge of these two little orphan girls, and
brought them up with their own children.

Such was the state of affairs about ten or eleven years after Mr.
Campbell's marriage, when a circumstance occurred as unexpected as it
was welcome.

Mr. Campbell had returned from his round of professional visits; dinner
was over, and he was sitting at the table with his wife and elder
children (for it was the Christmas holidays, and they were all at home),
and the bell had just rung for the nurse to bring down the two little
girls and the youngest boy, when the postman rapped at the door, and the
parlor-maid brought in a letter with a large black seal. Mr. Campbell
opened it, and read as follows:--

Sir--We have great pleasure in making known to you, that upon the
demise of Mr. Sholto Campbell, of Wexton Hall, Cumberland, which
took place on the 19th ultimo, the entailed estates, in default of
more direct issue, have fallen to you, as nearest of kin; the
presumptive heir having perished at sea, or in the East Indies, and
not having been heard of for twenty-five years. We beg to be the
first to congratulate you upon your accession to real property
amounting to L14,000 per annum. No will has been found, and it has
been ascertained that none was ever made by the late Mr. Sholto
Campbell. We have, therefore, put seals upon the personal property,
and shall wait your pleasure. We can only add, that if in want of
professional advice, and not being already engaged, you may command
the services of
Your most obedient,
HARVEY, PAXTON, THORPE, & Co.

"What can be the matter, my dear?" exclaimed Mrs. Campbell, who had
perceived most unusual agitation in her husband's countenance.

Mr. Campbell made no reply, but handed the letter to his wife.

Mrs. Campbell read it, and laid it down on the table.

"Well, my dear!" exclaimed Mr. Campbell, joyfully, and starting up from
his chair.

"It is a sudden shock, indeed," observed Mrs. Campbell, thoughtfully and
slowly. "I have often felt that we could bear up against any adversity.
I trust in God, that we may be as well able to support prosperity, by
far the hardest task, my dear Campbell, of the two."

"You are right, Emily," replied Mr. Campbell, sitting down again; "we
are, and have long been, happy."

"This sudden wealth can