Th unwonted excitement, as the scenes of his early boyhood once more appeared before him. A thousand boyish memories returned to him, as he trod the familiar street. He met persons whom he knew, but they showed no recognition of him. Six years had wrought too great a change in him. He rang the bell. The summons was answered by the servant, the only one employed in Mrs. Brandon's modest establishment. "Is Mrs. Brandon at home?" asked Ben. "Yes," answered the girl. "Will you walk in?" Ben stepped into the entry, and the girl opened the door of the room in which Mrs. Brandon was seated. Mrs. Brandon looked up. She saw standing at the door a well-grown lad of sixteen, with a face browned by long exposure to the sun and air. It was six years since she had seen Ben; but in spite of the changes which time may have wrought, a mother's heart is not easily deceived. A wild hope sprang up in her heart. She tried to rise from her chair, but her excite was so great that her limbs refused their office. "Mother!" exclaimed Ben, and, hurrying forward he threw his arms around his mother's neck. "God be thanked!" she exclaimed, with heartfelt gratitude. "I have missed you so much, Ben." Ben's heart reproached him as he saw the traces of sorrow upon his mother's face, and felt that he had been the cause. "Forgive me, mother!" he said. "It is all forgotten now. I am so happy!" she answered, her eyes filled with joyful tears. They sat down together, and Ben began to tell his story. In the midst of it hi
