“I believe they are at the hotel at Huttontown, where they expect to remain for a few days—if you do not bring them back here. Oh, General Garnet, if you would pardon them—if you would bring them back here to live with us—how happy we should all be—oh, how happy we should all be the long future years! No more partings—no more tears. Our children and grandchildren would be with us all through life. Magnus could practice his profession, and be of such inestimable value besides, in your political plans, and such company for you at home. And Elsie would be such a comfort to me. We should all be so happy! Come, bring them back with you. Ah! do. Let us have them with us, all reconciled, around the table to-night—and it will be the happiest family gathering that ever was held. Oh, I see you smile, and I know you will bring them back—will you not?” said Alice, suddenly seizing his hand, and gazing eloquently, beseechingly into his face. “We shall see, Alice—I will tell you more about that when I return,” he said, with one of his charming smiles, and shaking her hand cheerfully, opened the door and went out. “Oh, yes—I do believe he will bring them back with him. Ah, no father can harden his heart against his child. Yes, yes, I am sure he will bring them back!” she repeated, seeking to still the anxiety that was tormenting her breast. CHAPTER XXIV. THE WIFE’S TRUST. I know not, I ask not, if guilt’s in that heart, But I know that I love thee, whatever thou art. _—Moore._ The sun was going down when a servant entered the chamber and announced that Judge Wylie was below stairs and begged to see Mrs. Garnet alone upon important business. Telling the man to show Judge Wylie into the library, Alice threw a shawl around her, and, full of vague and painful misgivings, descended the stairs. What could be the important business upon which Judge Wylie came? What business, trifling or important, could he have with her? Had any accident happened to Elsie? The thought gripped her heart like a vise. Had anything happened to Magnus or General Garnet? Trembling and pale, and almost overwhelmed by the trials of the day, she opened the library door and entered in. Judge Wylie was standing there awaiting her. Judge Jacky’s usually jubilant face was now overcast and troubled as he advanced to meet Alice, took her hand, led her to a settee, and seated himself beside her. He pressed her hand with paternal kindness and said, gravely and gently: “My dear Mrs. Garnet, you will pardon the liberty about to be taken by your oldest friend.” “For Heaven’s sake—what has——” happened, she was about to ask, but the words died on her pale lips.