CHAPTER SECOND.
THE WIFE AND CHILDREN--A VISITOR The weeks passed slowly to Mrs.Wentworth from the departure of her husband; but her consciousness that he was performing his duty to his country, and the letters he wrote from Virginia, cheered her spirits, and, in a measure, made her forget his absence.
She was alone one evening with her children, who had become the sole treasures of her heart, and on whom she lavished every attention possible, when the ringing of the bell notified her of the presence of a visitor.

Calling the servant, she bade her admit the person at the door.

The negro left the room to do her mistress' bidding, and shortly after, a handsome gentleman of about thirty-five years of age entered.
"Good morning, Mrs.Wentworth," he said, on entering the room.

"I trust yourself and children are in good health." Mrs.Wentworth rose from her chair, and, slightly inclining her head, replied: "To what circumstance am I indebted for the honor of this visit, Mr.Awtry ?" "Nothing very particular, madam," he replied; "but hearing of your husband's departure, I thought I should lake the liberty of paying a visit to an old acquaintance, and of offering my services, if you should ever need them." "I thank you for your kindness; and should I _ever_ need your services, you may depend upon my availing myself of your offer; although," she added, "I do not think it likely I shall stand in need of any assistance." "I rejoice to hear it, my dear madam," he replied; "but I trust," he continued, on noticing the look of surprise which covered her features, "that you will not think my offer in the least insulting; for I can assure you, it was only prompted by the most friendly motives, and the recollections of past days." Mrs.Wentworth made no reply, and he continued: "I hope that, after an absence of five years, the memory of the past has been banished from you.

With me things have changed materially.