CHAPTER III.
A NEW HOME FOR ME.
Oh! did we but know of the shadows so nigh, The world would indeed be a prison of gloom; All light would be quenched in youth's eloquent eye, And the prayer-lisping infant would ask for the tomb.
For if Hope be a star that may lead us astray, And "deceiveth the heart," as the aged ones preach; Yet 'twas Mercy that gave it, to beacon our way, Though its halo illumes where it never can reach.
ELIZA COOK.
As the day closed and Mag did not appear, surmises were expressed by the family that she never intended to return.

Mr.Bellmont was a kind, humane man, who would not grudge hospitality to the poorest wanderer, nor fail to sympathize with any sufferer, however humble.

The child's desertion by her mother appealed to his sympathy, and he felt inclined to succor her.

To do this in opposition to Mrs.Bellmont's wishes, would be like encountering a whirlwind charged with fire, daggers and spikes.
She was not as susceptible of fine emotions as her spouse.

Mag's opinion of her was not without foundation.