10

refused their support, and he was lifted into the cart, which
carried him back to his now desolate dwelling.

Week after week passed, and as often did William
call on the benevolent editor, but no tidings of his lost
one repaid him for his weary walks.
Week after week and month after month passed--
and spring returned. but neither joy, nor health
nor comfort returned to the Cottage of poor Allan.
It is children, his farm, his life were alike indiffer-
ent to him. Time may sooth sorrow, but can it drive
remorse from the feeling and affectionate tho' erring heart
Allan at least found it could not.
His broken oath rankled like a barbed arrow in
his conscience. When William first returned, he, in the
bitterness of his grief had forgotten it, and now, how could
it be fulfilled? How could he throw away the only
staff that remained to support his tottering steps, how
return such watchful affection