"This confession was received with repeated shouts of laughter, while I, mortified beyond measure at finding myself in such company, could only wish that my papa would appear bodily and accuse Mr. Tracy of his perfidy." "I am very sorry to hear this," said Mr. Knowles, "sorry for many reasons." "I might possibly have concluded that these confessions were the result of the liquor," continued Helen, "but unfortunately I heard other confessions equally disgraceful. And then Mr. Tracy often boasts that he can drink any amount without showing the effects. "You know, perhaps, that he has another ward, a young man who has gone into business with Roswell. I have listened with dreadful heart-burnings to the fatherly advice given the young partners, advice which, if followed, without the skill in evading law he himself possesses, would lead them to prison." "That is a grave charge, Helen." "Please listen. I am not exaggerating in one particular. "You know that he used to import coffee, tea and liquors of various sorts. He instructed them in watering their liquors, boasting, with a laugh, that he had watered many a hogshead of New England rum or many a pipe of brandy, while in the employ of Mr. Edmond, and then pocketed the money the extra liquor brought." Mr. Knowles groaned. "Do you wonder now that I have no respect for the man? Is it strange I could not endure to live under his roof? Do you think I would connect myself with him by marrying his son?" "When do you expect your brother, Helen. I wish to see him as soon as may be." "Not until Christmas, unless something unusual occurs." The clergyman seemed to be absorbed in thought, but as they drew near their destination, said suddenly: "I must write him to meet me in the city." The family who needed the pastor's services consisted of a widow and four children. The oldest boy had found for himself a situation in a store, but the others were dependent on their mother. When Mr. Knowles and Helen knocked at the door of a neat one-story house, they were shown into a small parlor plainly furnished, but bearing the marks of taste and refinement. Presently Mrs. Russel, the widow, entered, and apologized for having taken the liberty to summon the clergyman by saying: "I heard from my neighbors that you were a friend to the poor and afflicted; and I am in great trouble." She then went on to state that while her husband lived, though not rich, she didn't know the meaning of the word poverty. When he died, it was her great desire, the one she insisted on when her relatives urged her to break up, to keep her family together, certainly until her children's characters were more formed than at present. She had a rich brother in the city, she said, who urged her to give away her two youngest, put the others out at service, and find a place for herself as housekeeper. "Abominable!" exclaimed Helen, greatly excited by the simple story.