which is inseparable from suddenly awakened hope, and protracted

expectation.

In one of the pauses of their discourse, and when half the night had

worn away, the single gentleman, who had gradually become more

and more silent and thoughtful, turned to his companion and said

abruptly:

'Are you a good listener?'

'Like most other men, I suppose,' returned Mr Garland, smiling. 'I can

be, if I am interested; and if not interested, I should still try to appear

so. Why do you ask?'

I have a short narrative on my lips,' rejoined his friend, 'and will try

you with it. It is very brief.'

Pausing for no reply, he laid his hand on the old gentleman's sleeve,

and proceeded thus:

There were once two brothers, who loved each other dearly. There was

a disparity in their ages - some twelve years. I am not sure but they

may insensibly have loved each other the better for that reason. Wide

as the interval between them was, however, they became rivals too

soon. The deepest and strongest affection of both their hearts settled

upon one object.

The youngest - there were reasons for his being sensitive and

watchful - was the first to find this out. I will not tell you what misery

he underwent, what agony of soul he knew, how great his mental

struggle was. He had been a sickly child. His brother, patient and

considerate in the midst of his own high health and strength, had

many and many a day denied himself the sports he loved, to sit beside

his couch, telling him old stories till his pale face lighted up with an

unwonted glow; to carry him in his arms to some green spot, where he

could tend the poor pensive boy as he looked upon the bright summer

day, and saw all nature healthy but himself; to be, in any way, his

fond and faithful nurse. I may not dwell on all he did, to make the

poor, weak creature love him, or my tale would have no end. But when

the time of trial came, the younger brother's heart was full of those old

days. Heaven strengthened it to repay the sacrifices of inconsiderate

youth by one of thoughtful manhood. He left his brother to be happy.

The truth never passed his lips, and he quitted the country, hoping to

die abroad.

The elder brother married her. She was in Heaven before long, and

left him with an infant daughter.

The Old Curiosity Shop