The follies of my youth have, I trust, been expiated, and I am a different man now to what I was when I last saw you." "Mr.Awtry," replied Mrs.Wentworth, "I feel rather surprised that, after your presence in New Orleans for so many months, you should not have thought proper to renew our acquaintance until after the departure of my husband." "Pardon me," he quickly answered.

"I was introduced to your husband by a mutual friend; and as he never thought proper to extend an invitation to me, I did not think myself authorized to call here.
Learning of his departure this morning, and knowing that his circumstances were not of so favorable a character as he could wish, I thought you might pardon my presumption in calling on you when you learned the motive which actuated this visit--believe me, I am sincere; and now," he continued, "will you accept my proffered hand of friendship, and believe that my desire is only to aid the relatives of one of the gallant men who have gone to struggle for their rights ?" Mrs.Wentworth paused a moment before she accepted the extended hand, while her brow appeared clouded.

At length, holding out her hand to him, she said: "I accept your offered friendship, Mr.Awtry, in the same spirit, as I hope, it is given; but, at the same time, trust you shall never be troubled with any importunities from me." "Thank you--thank you," he replied eagerly; "I shall not prove otherwise than worthy of your friendship.

These are your children ?" he continued, changing the conversation.
"Yes," she replied, with a look of pride upon her little daughter and the sleeping infant on the sofa; "these are my little family." Mr.Awtry took the little girl upon his knees and commenced caressing it, and, after remaining for a few moments in unimportant conversation, took his departure with the promise to call at some future time.
As soon as he left Mrs.Wentworth sat down, and resting her hands on the table, spoke to herself on the visit she had received.

"What could have induced him to pay me this visit ?" she said, musingly; "it is strange--very strange that he should choose this particular time to renew our acquaintance! He spoke honestly, however, and may be sincere in his offers of assistance, should I ever need anything.