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son and heir, and that a large sum had been offered to any person that could discover him. My parents certainly rejoiced in Duncan's good fortune, they were disconsolate at parting with him; for (illegible text) long ago become as a son of their own, and I (illegible text)ly believe, that from the day they first met, to (illegible text)n which the two norlan' netties came to our house, never once entertained the idea of parting. For part, I wished that the netties had never been (illegible text)or that they had said at their own home; for thoughts of being separated from my dear friend (illegible text) me sick at heart. All our feelings were, how (illegible text)nothing, when compared with those of my sister.
One day at dinner, after a long and sullen pause, father said, "I hope you do not intend to leave (illegible text)y soon, Duncan" "I am thinking of going tomorrow, Sir," said Duncan. The knife fell (illegible text) my mother's hand; she looked him steadily in (illegible text)ce for the space of a minute. "Duncan," said (illegible text)er voice faultering, and the tears dropping (illegible text)er eye,-“ Duncan, I never durst ask you (illegible text) but I hope you will not leave us altogether?" Duncan thrust the plate from before him into the (illegible text)e of the table-took up a book that lay on the (illegible text)w, and looked over the pages-Mary left the (illegible text) No answer was returned, nor any further (illegible text)y made! and our little party broke up in silence.
When we met again in the evening, we were still (illegible text)len. My father said, "You will soon forget Duncan; but there are some among us who will (illegible text)soon forget you." Mary again left the room silence ensued, until the family were called to(illegible text) for evening worship. The next morning, after a restless night, Duncan (illegible text)rly, put on his best suit, and packed up some articles to carry with him. I lay panting and
