of the leaves in the top of the mulberry trees, and then how their hearts rejoiced when the soft æolian sounds of the temperance song floated amid its gladdened branches, they saw the sun rise in the distant East,-though the day might be long and dark, they knew it must go down in the Western horizon; their hearts sometimes for a moment grew sick at hope so long deferred; but this did not deter them from the great work in which they were engaged. The hearts of those in the same great work were often cheered by them as they journeyed Westward.

Mrs.

Odora's bedroom looked indeed like a temperance studio; her table was covered with books and papers. Willard and Alba were often there reading and writing and devising plans how they could most advantageously advance the cause in which they were

engaged. In consequence of constant mental exertions, Odora lost her health, and resolved to visit her native State. It took her but a little while to get ready for her journey. They were comfortably seated in a railroad car, and in two hours and a half they accomplished a journey which twelve years before they had been four days. in effecting.

Their journey was a pleasant one, and in five days they were in Champlain. Alba and Odora did not stop to weep over the past; they had a two-fold object in visiting their native State-one for the benefit of health, the other to visit temperance societies and to obtain such statistics as would be of service to them after their return.

Odora spent several days in Roselle, where she was most cordially welcomed by all that knew her, and among her large circle of acquaintances

none gave her a more hearty welcome than Mr. and Mrs. Bertram, who were still living, though enfeebled by age and bowed by the heavy hand of sorrow that had long rested upon them. In Roselle Odora heard the unhappy fate of poor Walter.

Mrs. Williams went South soon after her marriage. She found Walter living far beyond his means. She remonstrated, begging him to lessen his expenses, the only means that would save him from becoming a bankrupt. This he could not be induced to do. He was then considered a wealthy New England gentleman, and was engaged to be married to a respectable young lady possessing quite a fortune. The story had been circulated, several times, that Mr. Bertram was intemperate; but this had been attributed to envious persons who would fain rival him in his love.

The

day for the marriage was fixed upon, and a magnificent outfit was in waiting. Among the guests that were invited were two gentlemen from the West by the name of McMartin, with whom Walter had become acquainted. The oldest was in some degree a kindred spirit of Mr. Bertram. He had become an invalid in consequence of intemperance. His brother, several years younger than himself, was like a guardian angel, shielding him always from public disgrace, and as much as possible from private. He had seen the growing intimacy between Bertram and his brother, and determined, as soon as the wedding festivities were over, to return to Amherst. Two days before the wedding was to take place, strangers were seen about the store, and then all was still, a writ of injunction was served, and the story went as fast as busy tongues could carry it,

that Mr. Bertram was a bankrupt, and his intended must know the fact. His pride was wounded, and he became desperate. He managed to get the elder McMartin from under the eye of his brother, and drove out of town to a neighboring village, where they spent the night in drinking and carousing. There Lewis McMartin found them so inebriated that they were unable to take care of themselves. In this state, he had his brother borne to the nearest steamboat landing, and in a few hours took passage for their home.

But where was poor Bertram ? Alone in his room, without a friend to advise or direct him. He awoke, but despair rested upon his heart. He attempted to drown his grief, but this was impossible. Several weeks were spent in a state of fearful determination. On examining his purse he found that he had but a few dollars