After All.

wife , whose former beauty was still visible on her kindly face , notwithstanding it was twenty summers since Robert Phane had wooed and won her . They had never regretted their marriage ; and though Mrs . Phane was sometimes grieved at her husband ' s outbursts of temper , she thoroughly understood him , and could afford to wait until he had calmed down , when he always assiduously strove to make amends for his violent conduct . But time did not stale their affection ; rather did they learn to appreciate and value one another more

than before , being jealous of every triviality that threatened their mutual dependence and indispensability . Besides , there was Olivia , their beautiful , amiable , and accomplished daughter , to weld their love still stronger . Every care and attention was bestowed upon her , and nothing that could increase her happiness was spared . Mr . Phane had natui'ally wished for a son and heir ; but this was denied him ,

and consequently their daughter was their sole pride and hope . It was the one study of their life to cultivate in her all the happy graces that perfect the female character , and they had little cause for disappointment . Olivia was as impressive as she was beautiful , and gratitude formed no small part of her nature . Thus she grew like a flower gently and carefully trained , free from all blemioh . She loved her parents and her home , and her life flowed on , happy and simple , like a melodious poem . She was the light

and life of the house , a comfort and a blessing ; merry as a lark at times , but when circumstances required , quiet and attentive . Diligent with her ' studies and books , and yet fond of a romp with her favourites , Carlo and Pet , the dog and cat . We admit that she was a paragon rarely found , and a little paradoxical . We have already seen that her father was somewhat ambitious for her future careerin his rather harsh treatment of poor Humberton . The

circum-, stance had sorely troubled Mrs . Phane , for she liked Humberton , and did not seek for position for her daughter ( like her husband ) so much as happiness and comfort . She was very sorry , for Olivia ' s sake , that her father had acted towards Humberton as he did , and it was about the first great difference they had experienced . She sympathized with her daughter ' s distress ( very bitter to one who knew so little of sorrow ) , and her silvered locks fell over her

daughter ' s shoulders and mingled with her golden hair as they wept together . Not long though ; Mrs . Phane soon lifted her head , and , with an attempt at smiling , endeavoured to cheer Olivia . Humberton was sure to succeed in life ; he was so energetic and persevering ; and , besides , he had a fair start in business , and there was great promise of his musical ability . That he was constant and true she thoroughly hoped and believed , and he would doubtless come to seek his Olivia again before very long .

All this seemed to be of small consolation to tearful Olivia , whose gentle nature was unused to adversity , and who knew so little about the battle of the world . She had lost what seemed to be hers , and there was no knowing whether she would ever recover it . " Why should he not sometimes come and see me ? " she sobbed . " Well , you know , my darling , your father does not wish it at present , and we must obey him ; but you may forget him . "

" Never ! dear mother ; I love him ! " she cried . "Well , he will work and wait for you , dear ; and , besides , you are onl y young yet ; I don't think he will forget you soon , darling , " said her mother soothingly , as she smoothed the rich curls from Olivia ' s forehead . " But how can he remember to love me if he does not see me for years ? Ohdear motherI cannot bear to think of it" cried Oliviaagain bursting

, , , , into tears , and burying her head in her mother ' s lap . Mrs . Phane was much affected ; but waiting until her daughter ' s paroxysm of grief had subsided , and she was becoming calmer from exhaustion , she said , in her kind , motherly tones :