Somewhat hastily, we will admit, did Mr.Howland utter the word that was to separate the little friends, and the word was half-repented of as soon as spoken.

But once uttered, it was a law to which he required the most implicit obedience.

He thought not of the wrong the separation might do his child; he thought only of enforcing obedience--of breaking a stubborn will.

Obedience in children was, in his eyes, everything--and he visited, with the sternest displeasure, every deviation therefrom.

The consequence was, that his little ones, in their nest at home, rarely saw in the face of their father a smile of affection; rarely heard his voice in words of tenderness.