He was sitting late, one evening, reading aloud to his wife from a book which the latter had received from Mrs.Willet.The rest of the family had retired.

Mrs.Markland was plying her needle busily.
Altered circumstances had made hourly industry on her part a necessity; yet had they in no way dimmed the cheerful brightness of her spirits.
"Come, Agnes," said her husband, closing the book, "it is growing late; and you have worked long enough.

I'm afraid your health will suffer." "Just a few minutes longer," replied Mrs.Markland, smiling.

"I must finish this apron for Frank.

He will want it in the morning." And her hand moved quicker.
"How true is every word you have been reading!" she added, after a few moments.