The stranger half arose, as though to spring forward, then sank back into his seat again.

But the little child sitting in her mother’s lap by the fire clapped her hands and laughed a childish, happy laugh.

“What pleases my little girl?” asked the mother.

“Why, ‘Samson’” the child said,—­“that’s what you call papa!”

Then Ruth, who stood by the table with a pitcher of water in her hand, staggered backwards like one stricken a violent and sudden blow!—­staggered backwards, dropping the pitcher with a heavy crash as she retreated, and crossing her hands upon her bosom with quick, short catchings of the breath!  Then crying, “My son! my son!” she threw herself, with one long, long sob, upon the stranger’s neck!

* * * * *

The story is told.  What lay in his power was done by the returned prodigal, who did not come back empty-handed to the paternal roof.  His wife and children fostered and petted the old people, till, after the passage of two or three more Thanksgiving-Days, they became as cheerful as of old, and they are now considered one of the happiest couples in the county.  Do not, on that account, O too easily influenced youth, think that happiness for one’s self and others is usually secured by dissolute habits in early life, or by running away from home.  Half the occupants of our jails and alms-houses can tell you to the contrary.

* * * * *

SONG IN A DREAM.

  Winter rose-leaves, silver-white,
    Drifting o’er our darling’s bed,—­
  He’s asleep, withdrawn from sight,—­
    All his little prayers are said,
  And he droops his shining head.

  Winter rose-leaves, falling still,
    Go and waken his sad eyes,
  Touch his pillowed rest, until
    He shall start with glad surprise,
  And from slumber sweet arise!

* * * * *

ENGLAND AND EMANCIPATION.

In the British House of Commons, some eighty years ago, two newly chosen members took their places, each of whom afterwards became distinguished in the history of that body.  They had become acquainted at the University of Cambridge, were strongly united by friendship, and had each, on attaining to manhood, formed the deliberate purpose of entering public life.  Of these two, one was William Pitt, the other was William Wilberforce.

Neither of these members of Parliament had at this time passed the age of twenty-one, and the latter was of extremely youthful appearance.  Small of stature and slight in frame, his delicate aspect was redeemed from effeminacy by a head of classic contour, a penetrating and melodious voice, an address which always won attention.  His superior social endowments were fully recognized by the companions of his leisure; nor was his influence lessened by the fact, that by