Belle had not communicated with Gus, or even permitted him to know her whereabouts. Now she wrote him a note, imploring him to come to her. He responded at once, and instantly made what arrangements he could for her comfort. After a season, and by the joint efforts of Gus and Harriet and Doctor Frank, Belle was enabled to go back to New York. Her father would not see her; her mother would not permit her to enter the house; but a small weekly stipend was allowed, to enable her to board in a respectable place, and to dress decently. Her unfortunate marriage has had very little effect on her. She never was so handsome in her life. She enjoys exciting the sympathies of those by whom she is surrounded, including half-a-dozen gentlemen who are constantly dangling around her. A young lawyer, who was boarding at the same house, undertook to institute proceedings for a divorce against the absent signor. He was successful in his application, and Belle is now legally free. She will probably marry some man of coarse taste, who will be attracted by her fine form and showy appearance, to say nothing of the effect of the prevalent belief that she will certainly be provided for 'on old Meeker's death.' * * * * * So much for the present situation of the Meeker family. While Arabella is taking her drive, I have had time to tell the reader thus much about it. The carriage is now approaching, and I must stop. * * * * * The shadows of evening begin to gather. Along the great artery of the city press the crowd. Their steps tend homeward. Still Hiram sits by the window, but oblivious of the current which sweeps by. His thoughts go back to Hampton. He is a clerk in the 'opposition store,' making love to Mary Jessup. 'What a pretty girl she used to be!--how much she always did for me--what pains she took to please me!' he mutters to himself. * * * * * Now he is thinking of Burnsville. His mind seems principally to dwell on what was formerly of secondary importance to him. 'Those Hawkins girls--they were good girls--very kind to me always--nice girls--handsome girls--both of them in love with me. The widow Hawkins, too.... * * * * * 'Sarah Burns--she was a different sort from the rest. I don't think I ever cared so much about her--too independent--thought too much of herself. How quick she broke the engagement! I remember it was preparatory lecture--preparatory lecture.... * * * * * 'Emma Tenant--_she_ wasn't proud--Emma really loved me--I always, knew she did....' He raised his eyes. Was it through some species of traction, as believers in odic force other peculiar affinities, attribute to their influences, that he did so at that moment? _There_ was Emma Tenant--Mrs. Lawrence--passing in her carriage, surrounded by blooming, grown-up children.