It might have been nearly a week after Edward’s return, when, on entering the library one morning, Mrs. Hamilton observed her husband, Mr. Howard, and Edward in earnest conference, the latter appearing somewhat agitated.  She would have retreated, imagining her presence mistimed, but Edward, the instant he perceived her, sprung forward, and seizing both her hands, exclaimed, in a voice of entreaty—­

“Dearest aunt, will not you use your influence with my uncle, and prevail on him to take the sum I have saved at different times, from my prize-money and other things, to replace that which—­which was lost three years ago.  To obtain sufficient, I have denied myself all unnecessary indulgence; it has checked my natural extravagance; prevented me, when sometimes I have been strongly tempted to play, or join my messmates in questionable amusements.  In saving that, I have cured myself of many faults; it has taught me economy and control, for by the time the whole amount was saved, my wishes and evil inclinations were conquered.  I look on it as a debt which I had bound myself to pay.  I anticipated the pleasure of telling my dear sister, she might banish the past entirely from her mind, for I would not write a word of my intentions, lest I should fail in them ere I returned.  And now my uncle refuses to grant my request; Mr. Howard will not second me; and—­and I see how it is,” he continued, with a return of former violence in his manner, as he paced the room, and a flush burned on his cheek, “my uncle will not consent to look on it as a debt; he will not permit me, even as far as this will do it, to redeem my sister.”

“You are quite mistaken, my dear boy,” replied Mr. Hamilton, mildly.  “Your sister’s own conduct has sufficiently proved to me her repentance and amendment; her gentle virtues and faultless conduct have quite redeemed the past, and so has yours.  I refuse to take your well-earned savings, merely because they really are not necessary.”

“But if it will give me pleasure, if it will satisfy me.  Dearest aunt, plead for me; you know not the relief it will be,” again entreated Edward, as he paused in his hasty walk, and looked beseechingly in his aunt’s face.

“Nay, dear Edward, do not demand impossibilities,” she replied, smiling, “I cannot plead for you.  That money with which you appear so very eager to part must return to your own purse; your sister’s debt is already paid.”

“Paid!” repeated Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Howard, in astonishment, while Edward stood, as if bewildered.  “How, and by whom?”

“By Ellen herself,” replied Mrs. Hamilton; and, addressing her husband, she added, “I should have told you before, but we have been both too much engaged the last two days to allow any time for private conversation; and my Ellen had entreated that only you should know her secret; but she would, I know, have made an exception in Mr. Howard’s favour had I demanded it, for his excellent lessons have in