A deeper gloom was on his face when he entered; but no word was spoken till all were seated at the table. Then in a slightly agitated voice his wife inquired,—
"Have you been successful in obtaining the money?"
He shook his head, but remained silent. Each young quivering face was turned first toward him, then with earnest, questioning glance to the mother.
"Be not discouraged, dear, even at this late hour."
"Are you wild, Lucy? There are but six hours between us and ruin. Can you talk of hope now? I have none."
With a warning gesture to the children, she rose, stepped to her husband's chair, and passing her arm round his neck, said, gently,—
"Yet still hope on, my husband; God will not forsake us."
He moved impatiently from under her arm; but as he did so, she dropped a roll into his bosom and turned toward her chair.
"Lucy! Lucy! what is this? Where did you get it?"
All was wild with excitement. Each child laughing, sobbing, shouting, but one glance from that strong but gentle mother quelled the confusion, and she replied,—