nce
that a peaceful, quiet, and contented home is more necessary to our
happiness than riches."

"I feel as you do, Emily," replied Mr. Campbell, "but we are growing
old, and have been taught wisdom practically, by the events of a
checkered life. Our children, I perceive, think otherwise--nor do I
wonder at it."

"I shan't go," said John; "I shall only be sent to school; no master
shall flog me--I'm a man."

"Nor me," cried Percival.

The Colonel and Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, as well as the elder portion of
the party, could not help smiling at the exclamation of the two boys.
They had both played the part of men, and it was but too evident how
unfitted they would be for future scholastic discipline.

"You shall neither of you go to school," replied Mr. Campbell, "but
still you must render yourselves fit for your stations in life, by
improving your minds, and attending those who will instruct you."

It is hard to say whether much real joy was felt by any of the party at
the prospect of returning to England. It is true that Mary Percival was
delighted at the idea of not being so far from her aunt and uncle, and
that Emma was better pleased to be in England, for reasons which she
kept to herself. But it was not the coming into the large property which
occasioned pleasure to any of them. However, if there was not much
pleasure derived from this re-accession to property, Mr. and Mrs.
Campbell knew their duty too well to hesitate, and every preparation was
commenced for their return along with Alfred and Captain Sinclair. John,
however, still continued obstinate in declaring that he would not go,
and Percival was very much of John's opinion, although he did not speak
so plainly.

When Mr. and Mrs. Campbell were alone, the former said to his wife,--

"I do not know what to do about John. He appears so resolute in his
determination not to go with us, that I fear he will run away into the
woods at the time of our departure. He is now continually with Malachi
and Martin, and appears to have severed himself from the family."

"It is hard to decide, Campbell; I have more than once thought it would
be better to leave him here. He is our youngest son. Henry will of
course inherit the estate, and we shall have to provide for the others
out of our savings. Now this property, by the time that John is of age,
will be of no inconsiderable value, and by no means a bad fortune for a
younger son. He appears so wedded to the woods and