Steadily, against all opposition, chidings, and punishment, Andrew would seek the company of his little friend Emily on every convenient occasion.

To avoid the consequences he would practice deception, and utter direct falsehood without compunction or hesitation.

At last, after a struggle of two years, even the father became wearied and discouraged at the perseverance of his child; and there came a suggestion to his mind, that probably, to continue as he had been going on for so long a time, would do more harm than good.

It requires no little self-denial for a man like Andrew Howland to yield in such a contention, and let the will of his child remain unbroken.

But, after a long debate with himself, his better conviction triumphed over prejudice and the tenacity of a mind fixed in its own opinions.