Just then a ring was heard at the front door, and William brought in and gave to Oswald the packet, which had been left that moment by Edwin. "Ah!" exclaimed Oswald, on opening the parcel, "this is so like Edwin. He sends back the Souvenir." He then gave Edwin's note to Mr. Woodley, who, after reading it, went to the desk and wrote a billet addressed to Edwin's father, in which he requested him to permit his son to join his family that day at their Christmas dinner. William was immediately despatched to Mr. Lovel's with the note, and in a short time Edwin arrived, looking very happy; and Mr. Woodley shook him heartily by the hand, on being introduced to him by Oswald. Then, taking up the Souvenir, he held it out to Amelia, and desired her to present it a second time to her brother's young friend. "With my sanction," said Mr. Woodley to Edwin, "you will not again refuse my daughter's gift, though you so honourably returned it when you suspected that she offered it unknown to her parents."
Edwin spent the day with the Woodley family, who were all delighted with his modesty and good sense, and Mr. Woodley made him promise to repeat his visit as often as he had leisure. That evening, Amelia's uncle brought her a present of an Album, bound in green morocco and handsomely gilt, and Edwin requested that she would allow him to take it home and draw something in it.
When he returned the Album, it contained copies, in Indian ink, of the most beautiful plates of the Souvenir, executed in Edwin's very best manner. Mr. Woodley presented Edwin with a portfolio, containing a selection of fine prints, and eventually made arrangements with a distinguished artist to take him as a pupil: his taste for drawing being so decided, and his indications of genius so extraordinary, it was thought best to yield to his desire of making painting his profession.
Finding Edwin's father to be a very deserving man, Mr. Woodley assisted him to re-establish himself in business, regretting that he should so long have been condemned to the irksome life of a teacher in a school. He was soon enabled to occupy a better house, and to live once more in the enjoyment of every comfort.
E. L.
MOTHER'S JOY
Why, what a busy maid thou art,
With eyes so like a dove!
And I am sure thy little heart