“Dear uncle, you sheltered me when I had not a friend in the world. You saved my life and my boy’s life. You gave him your name, and gave us both a home. And I will never leave you alone, never—not even for _him_ will I leave you, until Anna and Dick come home from their bridal tour to leave you no more.” “I know it, my child, I know it; I need no assurance from you to teach me how unselfish you are. But, my dear girl, do you think I would permit you to sacrifice your happiness for my sake? No, dear Drusilla, when our prodigal comes to himself and seeks your love again, you will be ready and eager to be reunited to him and you must go with him, although I should be left alone. And this for _your_ happiness, which must not be sacrificed for me.” “Happiness? sacrificed? Oh, uncle! father, dear, dear friend! you do not know my heart. The happiness would be in staying with you to solace your solitude; the sacrifice would be in leaving you alone. I _could_ not and _would_ not do it, no, not even for my dear Alick. Nor would he wish it; for when he ‘comes to himself,’ as you say, he will come to his better, nobler self,—his just and true self.” “Ah! my darling, you have great faith in that man.” “Because I judge him by the whole tenor of his past life, and not by the last few months of moral insanity!” “May Heaven justify your faith, my dear,” replied the veteran. Soon after the Christmas and New Year’s festivities were over, Richard Hammond made a move towards terminating his visit. But poor Dick’s nature was so perfectly transparent that every one knew it was a most reluctant move. General Lyon, Anna and Drusilla all knew that Dick was very desirous of staying at Old Lyon Hall, and they all felt that the “unlucky dog,” would be much safer with his relations in the country than among his “friends” in the city. So when Dick at length named an early day in February for his departure, the General said: “Nonsense, boy, stay where you are.” “I should be glad enough to stay,” Dick frankly answered, “but you see I feel I am trespassing. Bless my soul and life, sir, I have been here nearly three months.” “What of that? Stay three years. Stay three centuries if you live so long. My boy, all counted, we are but four; not enough to crowd this big old house; not enough to fill it, or half fill it. So, if you find yourself at ease among us, remain with us.” “But you see, dear grandpa,” said Anna, wickedly, “he is _not_ at ease among us. He is very restless with us. He is longing to get back to the city. He is pining for the society of his esteemed friends—the gallant Captain Reding and the brave Lieutenant Harpe.” “Oh, Anna, Anna! that was bloodthirsty!” said Dick in a grieved and outraged manner. “Then if that is not so, what is the attraction to the city, Dick?” laughed Anna. “Nothing at all. You know that as well as I do.” Anna did know it, but for all that she answered maliciously: “Then I can’t think why you wish to leave us.”