THE WIFE AND CHILDREN—­A VISITOR

The weeks passed slowly to Mrs. Wentworth from the departure of her husband; but her consciousness that he was performing his duty to his country, and the letters he wrote from Virginia, cheered her spirits, and, in a measure, made her forget his absence.

She was alone one evening with her children, who had become the sole treasures of her heart, and on whom she lavished every attention possible, when the ringing of the bell notified her of the presence of a visitor.  Calling the servant, she bade her admit the person at the door.  The negro left the room to do her mistress’ bidding, and shortly after, a handsome gentleman of about thirty-five years of age entered.

“Good morning, Mrs. Wentworth,” he said, on entering the room.  “I trust yourself and children are in good health.”

Mrs. Wentworth rose from her chair, and, slightly inclining her head, replied:  “To what circumstance am I indebted for the honor of this visit, Mr. Awtry?”

“Nothing very particular, madam,” he replied; “but hearing of your husband’s departure, I thought I should lake the liberty of paying a visit to an old acquaintance, and of offering my services, if you should ever need them.”

“I thank you for your kindness; and should I ever need your services, you may depend upon my availing myself of your offer; although,” she added, “I do not think it likely I shall stand in need of any assistance.”

“I rejoice to hear it, my dear madam,” he replied; “but I trust,” he continued, on noticing the look of surprise which covered her features, “that you will not think my offer in the least insulting; for I can assure you, it was only prompted by the most friendly motives, and the recollections of past days.”

Mrs. Wentworth made no reply, and he continued:  “I hope that, after an absence of five years, the memory of the past has been banished from you.  With me things have changed materially.  The follies of my youth have, I trust, been expiated, and I am a different man now to what I was when I last saw you.”

“Mr. Awtry,” replied Mrs. Wentworth, “I feel rather surprised that, after your presence in New Orleans for so many months, you should not have thought proper to renew our acquaintance until after the departure of my husband.”

“Pardon me,” he quickly answered.  “I was introduced to your husband by a mutual friend; and as he never thought proper to extend an invitation to me, I did not think myself authorized to call here.  Learning of his departure this morning, and knowing that his circumstances were not of so favorable a character as he could wish, I thought you might pardon my presumption in calling on you when you learned the motive which actuated this visit—­believe me, I am sincere; and now,” he continued, “will you accept my proffered hand of friendship, and believe that my desire is only to aid the relatives of one of the gallant men who have gone to struggle for their rights?”