Lefevre had resolved on living within his salary; and, being sincere in his intentions, he looked to their accomplishment. He was surprised, however, on consideration, to perceive how much this simple resolution would cost him. In Douglas's scale of expence, there was no allowance for receiving company-nor for tavern suppers-nor for liquors-nor for worldly divertisements-nor, indeed, for superfluities of any kind. To fulfil his resolution then, he must break with his associates-he must resist appetites that had become almost irresistible by indulgence he must return to his former mode of life, and become once more the quiet guest, at the quiet table of Mr. and Mrs. Russell!

The sacrifice was too formidable for a mind so sadly enfeebled and enslaved, by bad habits as Lefevre's; and yet he dared not, in so many words, decline it. "Douglas is quite right," thought he; "retrenchment is necessary, and retrench I will-But I cannot do impossibilities.-There will be extras that are unavoidable. However,

what I can do I will. And at all events, I'll take care he shall never suffer by me." Thus did he again delude himself by generalities, and almost nullify the influence of Douglas's friendship.

A few weeks after this time, a life dropped in the office, and Lefevre obtained the rise on which he had so much depended. As it was injurious to him in anticipation, so it was far from beneficial to him in possession. While the encrease was not sufficient to meet all his accustomed gratifications, it was enough to bribe his watchfulness over his expences; and, consequently, foreboded a renewal of his difficulties. However, it should be stated, that this advance, together with Douglas's remonstrance, did enable Lefevre, this quarter, to reduce, in a small degree, his pecuniary obligations to the Russells.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Mr. and Mrs. Russell demand more notice in this part of the story, than merely to be referred to at the end of a chapter. Their affection to Lefevre was little less than parental; and they had lately watched the changes in his conduct and character with anxiety and alarm. His irregular hours his irritation of temper-his tart replies-and his general reserve-gave them great pain; but their pious minds. knew a deeper grief, when dwelling, as they often dwelt, on his departure from religion, and compliance with temptation, to an extent to them undefinable, because to them unknown. In fact, he who was once the joy of their fireside, had rendered himself the theme of unceasing regret and lamentation.

Although it was a light thing to Lefevre to become a thorn in that nest he had once made so downy, Mr. Russell and his consort were uniformly eager for his recovery. They made his situation the subject of particular and daily prayer; they sought every opportunity to persuade him from the paths of sin; and, by a number of kind offices, they did sometimes make him hesitate in his course. On the other hand, Lefevre laboured to shun intercourse with them; and when forced upon it, sometimes by an affected laugh, and sometimes by a dogged answer, he would turn the conversation, from religious and personal, to common topics.

One evening, at this period of the narrative, they had been particularly dwelling with tears on the state of "their dear Charles." As, for some time, they had not found occasion to express their growing fears, they determined, should he return home that night, they would endeavour to get some conversation with him. It happened, that Lefevre returned sooner

than usual. They received him with welcoming smiles.

66.

Come, Charles," said Mr. Russell, shifting his pipe to his left hand, and with his right, pulling round a chair towards the fire, "let us have a little chat."

"It is late sir," replied Lefevre, taking up his chamber candle to light it.

"Late!" said Mr. Russell, taking out his watch" no; it's early for you. It is only ten o'clock."

"I have a letter to write, sir."

"Ah! Charles," said Mrs. Russell, "you have always something to do, to keep you from us. We want to talk to you of what most concerns you."

"It will be best, perhaps, to leave what most concerns me, entirely to me, ma'am," drawing towards the door.

"Oh! Charles," continued she, "I fear -I fear"

"Fear nothing for me, ma'am. I will try to take care of myself. It is best for each one to attend his own business. Good night sir-good night ma'am"-said he,. leaving the room..