By the time he got there, he was older and wiser, and strengthened, body and mind, by a rough experience.

He resolved to travel no more; but, as yet, it was not in his power to feel happy.
"Much had happened in his absence.

His friend, after living three or four years with his wife in Europe, was separated from her--not, however, by a regular divorce--and she had disappeared, and had not since been heard of.

It was reported that she was dead.

She had left with her husband a son, two or three years old, at that time a sickly little fellow, scarcely expected to live.