"With the help of God, this will be a lesson to me that shall make me a better man than ever before," added Mr. Gracewood, fervently.
"But you shall not stay another night in such a place as this, my dear sir," continued Mr. Rockwood, earnestly. "The very atmosphere of the den is poison."
"I dare not leave it."
"My hotel is only a few steps from here. You shall have my rooms, and no one need ever know that you are there."
"You are very kind. I had no right to expect such generous treatment from an entire stranger."
"Your brother and my brother were the best of friends for many years; we will imitate their example, and be friends for their sake."
Mr. Rockwood insisted upon his arrangement, paid the invalid's bill, and sent for a carriage to convey him to his new quarters. We dressed the miserable man, and helped him into the vehicle. The driver was directed to stop at the private door on the cross-street, and Mr. Gracewood was conducted to the rooms of his new friend without attracting any attention.
"I used to stay at this hotel myself," said Mr. Gracewood, when he was seated in the planter's great arm-chair.
"It is a good house, and you shall have every care you need."