“How soon will you return?”

“I cannot tell exactly; but I will come back as quickly as possible.”

There was something in the manner of her husband, as he made this announcement, that startled and alarmed Mrs. Lawrence.  She tried to ask many questions, but her voice failed her.  Leaning her head down upon her husband’s breast, she sobbed and wept for a long time.  Lawrence was much affected, and kissed the wet cheek of his wife with unwonted fervour.

On the next morning, early, the unhappy man parted with his family.  His wife clung to him with an instinctive dread of the separation.  Tears were in his eyes, as he took his children one after another in his arms and kissed them tenderly.

“God bless you all, and grant that we may meet again right early, and under brighter skies!” he said, as he clasped his wife to his bosom in a long embrace, and then tore himself away.

On the third day after Mr. Lawrence left, one of the city newspapers contained the following paragraph: 

“The——­insurancecompany.—­We understand that in the investigation of the affairs of this concern, it has been discovered that Mr. Lawrence, the president, proves to be a defaulter in the sum of nearly a hundred thousand dollars.  The public are aware that post-notes were issued by the company to a large amount, and loaned to individuals on good collateral security.  These bore only the signature of the president.  It now appears that Mr. Lawrence used this paper without the knowledge of the directors.  He signed what he wanted for his own use, and when these came due, signed others and negotiated them, managing through the principal clerk in the institution, who it seems was an accomplice, to keep the whole matter a secret.  This was continued until he had used the credit of the concern up to a hundred thousand dollars, when it sank under the load.  Preparations were made, immediately on the discovery of this, to have him arrested and tried for swindling, but he got wind of it and has left the city.  We presume, however, that he will be apprehended and brought back.  His own private affairs are said to be in a most deplorable condition.  It is thought that not over twenty cents in the dollar will be realized at the final settlement.”

Here we drop a veil over the history of the man who made haste to be rich, and was not innocent.  His poor wife waited vainly for him to return, and his children asked often for their father, and wondered why he stayed so long away.  Years passed before they again met, and then it was in sorrow and deep humiliation.

LET HER POUT IT OUT.

I hope there is no coolness between you and Maria,” said Mrs. Appleton to her young friend, Louisa Graham, one evening at a social party.  “I have not seen you together once to-night; and just now she passed without speaking, or even looking at you.”