Pray, don't let your thoughts dwell on these things." Thus he strove to dissipate the feeling of obligation that began to rest on the mind of his unfortunate neighbour, while he carried out his purpose.

In due time, under the assignment which had been made, Woodbine Lodge and a large part of the elegant and costly furniture contained in the mansion, were sold, and the ownership passed into other hands.

With a meagre remnant of their household goods, the family retired to a humbler house.

Some pitied, and stood at a distance; some felt a selfish pleasure in their fall; and some, who had courted them in their days of prosperity, were among the foremost to speak evil against them.

But there were a few, and they the choicest spirits of the neighbourhood, who only drew nearer to these their friends in misfortune.