on her face, being at that infinitely remote period before any of them were born, most unhappy herself; yes, very unhappy! Mary would have denied it aloud, but that she had too much faith in Aunt Christian’s infallibility, to doubt for an instant even her word. This night was a night of wonders to these two listening children. But the time passed on, and Uncle James--while yet the other little ones were engaged in a merry game, chasing each other throughout all the house, from the glowing kitchen, clean and bright, up to the nursery where old Ailie presided in full state and glory--must go. Elizabeth was unwell; and he felt it was not seemly to be from home, loth and reluctant as he was to leave that fireside and its loving circle. So Uncle James prepared to go home; and down rushed again the whole merry band, deserted Ailie, even in the midst of one of her old-world stories, to bid him good-night; and thus environed by the little host with shouts as loud as had welcomed his arrival, Uncle James went away home. [Illustration: text decoration] CHAPTER II. Men rail upon the Change! * * * * * But think they as they speak? Thou softener of earth’s pain, Oh Change! sweet gift of the Infinite to the weak, We hail alike thy sunshine and thy rain; Awe dwells supreme in yon eternal light, Horror in misery’s doom; But frail humanity dares breathe, when bright Thy tremulous radiance mingles with the gloom.--Y.S.P.