On the day that cheeks covering the whole sum awarded to Mr.Markland were received from New York, he returned early in the afternoon from the city, his mind buoyant with hope in the future.

As the cars swept around a particular curve on approaching the station at which he was to alight, "Woodbine Lodge" came in full view, and, with a sudden impulse he exclaimed "It shall be mine again!" "The man is not all crushed out of me yet!" There was a proud swelling of the heart as Markland said this.

He had stepped from the cars at the station, and with a firmer step than usual, and a form more erect, was walking homeward.

Lawn Cottage was soon in view, nestling peacefully amid embowering trees.

How many times during the past year had a thankful spirit given utterance to words of thankfulness, as, at day's decline, his homeward steps brought in view this pleasant hiding-place from the world! It was different now: the spot wore a changed aspect, and, comparatively, looked small and mean, for his ideas had suddenly been elevated toward "Woodbine Lodge," and a strong desire for its re-possession had seized upon him.
But if, to his disturbed vision, beauty had partially faded from the external of his home, no shadow dimmed the brightness within.