Mr. Thornly was silent for a moment. He was a worldly man, but this exhibition of Christian principle stirred up the fountains of his heart. Extending his hand, he said, "Roland, can I ask you to come back again, after all that has passed? It would be to me a personal favor." "I am but too happy, sir, to take my old desk; I believe that the finger of Providence has pointed me here, and I trust that we shall be mutual blessings to each other." "Will you forgive my poor son, Roland? he is humbled to the dust." "Forgive! certainly, sir; nothing is more easy, nothing more delightful." "Will you do more? I believe that this deep disgrace will be the turning point of a new life with Edgar, if we only encourage him; will you be his friend, Roland?" said Mr. Thornly, laying his hand upon the young man's shoulder, and looking in his face with a father's pleading eyes. "You may trust me, sir," was the frank, noble answer. Next morning, Roland took his place in the office once more. His meeting with Edgar was most painful. "Say nothing, Edgar," was Roland's first salutation, when the young man sat down, covering his face with his hands. "I know all--words are unnecessary; all is forgiven, entirely buried between us; henceforth I am your friend." "Oh! Roland Bruce, language cannot tell what a cordial those few words are to me. I feel so desponding, so crushed; I have no companions, I go nowhere." "That is better just now, Edgar; but after a little while, you will come and read law with me." Edgar spent all his time in the office. Roland provided him, at first, with pleasant reading; then, by degrees, he proposed the course which he had pursued himself. Edgar was but too willing to be guided by such a hand, and Mr. Thornly and Helen looked on with speechless gratitude. Roland was still interested in his homeless boys, and paid his periodical evening visits. It was, indeed, a comfort to see what a marked change was observed in so many. One day, he was greatly surprised on perceiving a letter addressed to him in printed characters. On opening it, there was a check for one hundred dollars, for the "Home," "from one deeply interested." Where could it come from? was his question. Could it be from Madeline? How would she know about his actions? Suddenly it occurred to him that Helen corresponded with her, and the thought that she might be thus a fellow laborer with him was very sweet, and he encouraged the fancy. This was, indeed, a turning point in Edgar Thornly's life--from this time, his whole course was changed, and his grateful father could not by words thank his young mentor; actions proved his gratitude. * * * * * * At the close of the second year, Roland was admitted to the bar. Mr. Thornly threw all the business in his way that could be thus controlled, and Roland's course was upward and onward. Twice had he visited Effie during this period, found her happy, but with very weak eyes.