With what an eager discrimination was the ear of his wife bent towards him for a sign that would indicate the condition in which he returned to her! How breathless was her suspense! A few moments, and the door of her room opened.
"Why, John!" said she, with a pleasant smile, and a tone so well disguised that it betrayed little of the sea of agitation below--"what has kept you so late?
I was really afraid something had happened.

Have you been sick; or did business detain you ?" "It was business, dear," replied Mr.Wilkinson, as he took the hand which Mary placed within his.

The low, nervous tremour of that hand he instantly perceived, and as instantly comprehended its meaning.

She had been deeply anxious, but was now seeking to conceal this from him.

He understood it all, and was touched by the fact.
"I ought to have sent you word," said he, as he kissed her with more than usual tenderness of manner.