I think sometimes now, my boy, that I have been wrong in not accepting the fact of your father's death as proved, and taking you home to England; but you will believe that I acted for the best, and I shrank from the thought of going home as a beggar, while I could maintain you and myself comfortably, here." "You were quite right, Mother dear.

We have been very happy, and I have been looking forward to the time when I might work for you, as you have worked for me.

It has been a thousand times better, so, than living on the charity of a man who looked down upon you, and who cast off my father." "Well, you will believe at least that I acted for the best, dear, and I am not sure that it has not been for the best.

At any rate I, too, have been far happier than I could have been, if living in England on an allowance begrudged to me." A week later, Gregory was awakened by the cries of the Negro servant; and, running to Mrs.Hilliard's bedroom, found that his mother had passed away during the night.

Burial speedily follows death in Egypt; and on the following day Gregory returned, heartbroken, to his lonely house, after seeing her laid in her grave.
For a week, he did nothing but wander about the house, listlessly.
Then, with a great effort, he roused himself.