betray you; but I would not, for the world. My religion teaches me to 'hide the outcast,' and shelter the fugitive, whether white or black. Deacon Webber says that we cannot fulfil our moral and constitutional obligations, unless we deliver the fugitive to his master. A pretty Christian he is, to talk in that way! Simple humanity teaches a holier doctrine. Man is greater than all the constitutions in the world; and, when he is wronged, the true Christian will help him, if he can. Have you been

to supper, Edward?"

"No, thank you; but I do not wish for any supper." "You should not say that you do not want any supper; for you do, and you shall have a good warm one," approaching her, and taking off the cap. "You look hungry and faint, and I am sure you are. I think Henri has not had anything to eat to-night; and so you shall sup together."

Helen looked up, with a grateful smile. As soon as Mrs. Stewart caught her eyes, she gave a sudden start, which frightened us both very much for a moment. We were fearful that she had seen Helen, and now recognized her. But we soon learned that there was no cause for alarm.

"Just such eyes!" she said, fixing a searching look upon Helen.

"To whom do you refer ?" I inquired. "To one who died some years since.

This boy re

minds me of her very much. He has eyes of the same color and expression,- only they are sadder, and I think his hair must have been of the same color when no older," smoothing it with her hand. "How barbarously they have cut it, shearing it close to your head!" The deacon had cut it off, as a punishment for the information she had given me. The simple truth, to him, was wicked lying.

"If you were my boy," Mrs. Stewart continued, “I should let it grow long, and hang in beautiful ringlets all round your neck."

Supper was soon ready, and I relished it better than I had a meal of victuals since my sickness. I was so happy in seeing Helen partaking of good substantial food, of which there was an abundance before her, instead of the miserable slops which the deacon gave her, that it revived my appetite. Mrs. Stewart said that the boy might stay over night, although Mrs. Eaton was absent. I was thankful to hear that mother was away. "Where is she?" I inquired.

"Gone to your uncle's, in

I was surprised. Here, then, was the secret explained. I felt greatly relieved.

"When did she go?" I asked.

"At three o'clock, taking your brothers and sisters with her. They are to stay until the painting is done.” "I feel rather slighted."

"You have reason to feel slighted, Henri. But it is all for the best. I have been informed that you talked very saucy to your mother, previous to your sickness, which she has never forgiven. She thinks you are a

very wicked boy.. I cannot think you intentionally bad, though you have a quick temper. Children should never be saucy to their parents."

"I had good cause for what I said and did; but let that pass. I am heartily glad that she saw fit to leave me at home; for I shall be happier here. At some future time I shall pay uncle a visit, and I prefer to go alone.”

CHAPTER III.

THE DEACON FOILED.

On the day ensuing, I received another letter from my uncle, which ran as follows:

"MY DEAR HENRI: I hope you were not much disap"pointed, last evening; for you must have known that it "would be impracticable for me to come after the girl while "your mother was here. I was nearly ready to start when "her carriage drove up to the door. She does not speak "so complimentary of you as I could wish. I know not "what to think. She says that you are very saucy and "disobedient, and too intimate for your own good with a "bad child,—a girl living with Deacon Webber, whom the

good man has great difficulty in managing at all. The "deacon has informed her that the girl is a liar and thief, "and, although only eleven years old, ' prone to evil as the sparks fly upward.' I hope, Henri, these things are not for I have always loved you, you seemed so much "like your lamented father. I hope your mother is mis"taken, and, I would fain believe, honestly so. She may

แ

so;

"have too much faith in Deacon Webber, and you may "have said what a child should not say to a parent.

People capable of cherishing such strong resentment as "your mother, would be very likely to magnify faults, and see things in a false light. Be careful, in future, Henri ; "for you both have hot blood.

"Your mother will return one week from to-day, and "I shall go with her, and will take the girl home with me, "if you wish. But, if she is the depraved thing your "mother has described, I cannot keep her, unless we can "reform her; and I am in hopes that your good aunt will "be able to do so, for she is so kind that her influence "with the depraved is very great. Write immediately, "Henri, and then I can determine what to do.

"Thy affectionate uncle,

"THOMAS EATON."

By the time I had finished this letter, my heart was very full of bitterness. "Would to God," I exclaimed, "that I had a mother worthy of the name!" I felt that she was unworthy of love or respect.

It is fearful for a child to feel thus towards a parent; but I could not help it. I thought that she was wantonly trifling with the character of her own child, and fearfully wronging a little, helpless girl, who had already suffered most shameful abuse. When I read the letter to Helen, and gave loose rein to some of my bitter thoughts, she