We crave pardon, gentle ladies all, if, in our estimate of causes, we have spoken too lightly of this.  But we have, at least, stated the case fairly.  Mrs. Abercrombie’s brow was clouded because the new gaiters did not fit her handsome foot—­a member, by the way, of which she was more than a little vain.

For an hour Mrs. Abercrombie remained alone in her chamber, feeling very sad; for, in that time, reflection had come, and she was by no means satisfied with the part she had been playing, nor altogether unconscious of the fact that from her clouded brow had fallen the shadows now darkening over her household.  As soon as she had gained sufficient control of herself to act toward her children more wisely and affectionately, the mother took her place in the nursery, and with a tenderness of manner that acted like a charm, attracted her little ones to her side, and inspired them with a new and better spirit.  To them sunshine was restored again; and the few rays that penetrated to the mother’s heart, lighted its dim chambers, and touched it with a generous warmth.

But the shadows from Mrs. Abercrombie’s clouded brow fell not alone upon her household.  The spirit that pervades the home-circle is often carried forth by those who go out into the world.  It was so in this case.  Mr. Abercrombie’s feelings were overcast with shadows when he entered the store.  There was a pressure, in consequence, upon his bosom, and a state of irritability which he essayed, though feebly and ineffectually, to overcome.

“Where is Edward?” he inquired, soon after his arrival.

Edward was a lad, the son of a poor widow, who had recently been employed in Mr. Abercrombie’s store.

“He hasn’t come yet,” was answered.

“Not come yet?” said Mr. Abercrombie, in a fretful tone.

“No, sir.”

“This is the third time he has been late within the past week, is it not?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Very well:  it shall be the last time.”

At this moment the boy came in.  Mr. Abercrombie looked at him sternly for a moment, and then said—­

“You won’t suit me, sir.  I took you on trial, and am satisfied.  You can go home.”

The poor lad’s face crimsoned instantly, and he tried to say something about his mother’s being sick, but Mr. Abercrombie waved his hand impatiently, and told him that he didn’t wish to hear any excuse.

Scarcely had the boy left the presence of Mr. Abercrombie, ere this hasty action was repented of.  But the merchant’s pride of consistency was strong:  he was not the man to acknowledge an error.  His word had passed, and could not be recalled.  Deeper were the shadows that now fell upon his heart—­more fretted the state of mind that supervened.