But what Evil cannot corrupt Fate seldom spares.

A few months after the birth of a second daughter the young wife of Rowland Lester died.

It was to a widowed hearth that the wife and child of his brother came for shelter.

Rowland was a man of an affectionate and warm heart: if the blow did not crush, at least it changed him.

Naturally of a cheerful and ardent disposition, his mood now became soberized and sedate.