“Oh, mum, it is to see-hee,” sobbed Leo “to see-hee you so well-hell, and hap-pappy, and to know as I am bring—hing bad news again! Seems like I was born—horn to be the death of you, ma’am,” said the boy, scarcely able to articulate through his sobs. “I hope not, Leo. Sit down and compose yourself. I trust your master is well.” “Oh yes, mum, he is well enough (_wish to Goodness Gracious he wasn’t!_) but he’s done, tored up everything and—Boo! hoo! ooo!” cried Leo, gushing out into such a cataract of tears and sobs that he was forced to bury his face in his big bandana and sink into a seat. “Compose yourself, Leo, and I will read my letters. They will explain, I suppose,” said Drusilla, opening the packet. There were three letters from her lawyers, which she laid aside; and there was one from her husband, which she opened and read. It ran thus: “CEDARWOOD, Dec. 22, 18—. “MADAM:—Had you chosen to remain quietly in the home I provided for you it should have been yours for life, with a sufficient income to keep it up. But as you voluntarily left it, you have forfeited your right to return to it, as well as your claims upon me for support. The place is now dismantled and sold. The messenger who takes this letter has charge of all your personal effects, and will deliver them over to you. “ALEXANDER LYON.” We know the time, not so long since, when the young wife would have screamed, cried or swooned at the reception of such a letter from her husband. Now, she simply bent forward and laid it on the fire, and when it blazed up and sank to ashes, she said: “It is gone; and now it shall be forgotten.” And then she stooped and kissed her babe. Leo, stealing an anxious glance at her, misunderstood the movement and started forward, exclaiming: “Oh, mum! don’t go for to faint; please don’t.” Drusilla looked at him and smiled kindly, saying “I am not likely to do so, my boy. I am strong and healthy now, thank Heaven! and besides, there is nothing to faint about. I am only a little sorry that the cottage is sold.” “Oh, mum! don’t! I shall cry again if you do! Oh, mum, you used to say as how you would make that wilderness to bloom and blossom as the rose; and so you did, mum, lovely! But oh, mum! he have turned the beautiful place into a howling wilderness again!” bawled the boy. “Never mind, Leo, I will get it back again some day and restore all its beauty,” said Drusilla, smiling. “And now, my boy, where is your sister?” “She have gone back to Alexandria, mum; but sends her love and service to you, mum.” “And the poor pets—the little birds, and the cat and kittens, Leo?” “Pina has got them all to take care on for you, ma’am, till you sends for ’em and for her, cause she considers of herself into your service, ma’am, which likewise so do I.” “And the cow and calf, and the horses, Leo?”