Chapman was indeed a man to be pitied. He had now more than his head and
hands full of trouble. The care it was now necessary to bestow on his
wife (for she was above all else in his mind) in a great measure
relieved him of the excitement caused by his great financial
misfortunes. When, then, Mattie entered the parlor and found him
comparatively calm, she fancied her mother had swooned from
over-exertion on her behalf. Taking a seat beside her mother, she kissed
and kissed her cheek, and proceeded to bestow upon her those attentions
her case demanded, and in so kind and gentle a manner as to show how
deep and true was the love she bore her.
Chapman soon relieved Mattie's mind, by telling her all that had
happened. As he concluded she grasped his hand firmly and imprinted a
kiss on his cheek. "Heaven be thanked, father," she said, "it is a kind
Providence that directs all our destinies. I am free now. You are
free--free in your intentions--free in your conscience. I am happy
now--happy because I shall not have to interpose my oath against yours.
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