Joseph went away, but cast wistful glances at his father over his violin. According to the unaccountable desire that had seized him, young Farnham heard the old man's voice. It ran through his veins with a glow, as if he had drained a glass of old wine, and it was some moments before he felt the thrill leave his nerves. Joseph took up his violin, but anxiety had depressed him, and his music lost its cheerfulness. The dancers took their places, but Fred Farnham still lingered by the artist. Another strange impulse seized him. He obeyed it and touched the hand that lay upon the old man's knee. The artist started, lifted his eyes and a smile broke over his face. "Excuse me," said the youth deprecatingly, "I did not intend it." Still the artist kept his eyes upon the boy, without speaking, but the smile grew sad as he gazed; and when Fred turned to go away, the hand he had touched was held eagerly forth. "Don't--don't leave me yet," said the old man in a low, pathetic voice. "I will come back again," said the youth gently. "I could not help it if I wished." Again the old man smiled, and, bowing his head, allowed the youth to regain his partner. When the set broke up it was to assemble round the fruitcake, which was cut up by Chester in broad, liberal slices, and then, after another dance, and a plaintive song from the widow, Chester's birth-day party broke up, leaving him alone with the family. The old artist waited at the head of the stairs, and young Farnham, who had remained a moment to speak with Chester, found him leaning against the banisters as he came out. "Good night," said the young lad with gentle respect, pausing in hope of being addressed. The artist took the extended hand, and held it between his, without speaking. Fred felt those old hands tremble. "Shall I never see you again?" inquired the artist. "Will you let me come and see you?" asked the lad joyfully. "Come, come! it will be like the break of day after a dark night." "I will come," said the youth earnestly. Still the artist kept the boy's hand in his clasp. At length he bent forward and kissed the lad upon his forehead. "God bless you--the God of Heaven bless you!" he said in a low, solemn voice, and the old man glided away through the dark hall, leaving Frederick strongly affected by the interview. With all her cheerfulness, Mrs. Chester was a little weary after her guests departed, and leaned against the mantel-piece, longing to sink into the rocking-chair which the old man had just abandoned. Chester approached his wife, and saw the letter lying at her elbow. A moment of unaccountable dread came over him, but taking the note in his hand he broke the seal. Mrs. Chester was looking at him as he read the letter, she saw his face turn pale, then his eyes began to flash. "What is it! what evil news does the letter bring?" she faltered out, for his countenance frightened her. Chester crushed the letter in his hand.