CHAPTER II.
It was the hour when all in general retired to rest, and the inmates of Oakwood had dispersed for the purpose; but this night thoughts of a mingled and contending nature occupied Mrs.Hamilton's mind, and prevented all wish for sleep.

Her guests had the last week increased, and the part of hostess had been kindly and pleasingly performed; but the whole of that day she had longed to be alone, and gladly, gratefully she hailed that hour which enabled her to be so.

Shading her eyes with her hand, she gave to her thoughts the dominion they demanded.

Maternal ambition, maternal pride, in that silent hour fell before the stronger, more absorbing power of maternal love.

But a few brief hours, and the child of her anxious cares, of fervent petitions at the throne of grace, would be no longer an inmate of her father's house, her place in that happy home would be a void.