"And now I must bid you good morning.

You know my mother is an invalid, and I may find letters at the post-office that will render immediate return necessary.

But I will see you again; and hereafter our acquaintance may perhaps be renewed in France." "That is a delightful hope," rejoined the merchant, cordially returning the friendly pressure of his hand.

As he looked after the young man, he thought how pleasant it would be to have such a son; and he sighed deeply over the vision of a union that might have been, under other circumstances, between his family and that of his old friend.

Alfred, as he walked away, was conscious of that latent, unspoken wish.