We must meet things as they are, without perplexing ourselves about what they might have been; for, if we believe in an overruling Providence at all, there can be no such possibility as 'might have been.'" "That is true," said Christian, musingly.

She had never known Dr.
Grey to speak like this.

She wondered a little why he should do it now; and yet his words struck home.

That great "mistake"-- was it his first marriage?
which, perhaps, had not been a happy one.

At least, he never spoke of it, or of his children's mother.