A Father's Devotion

A very pretty story was told oí Thac-kery during his American tour, liustintn'j, the fcoveliet's affection for lis daughtera The incident occurred it the house of George Ticknor in liostom, the novelist being a guest oí the íamily at the timei. On New Year's eve he and Ticknor sat smoking togetiier in the library. The latter's Avife was also present. The -daughters of the house liad gone to a party. Tliey sat talking till 11 o'clock, when Tliackeray aróse and said lie would go to his room. "You are not going to retire yet ?' toquired his host. "No," was tlie answer, "for always at the birth O'f the new year I drink to the health and happlness of my daughters, but I do uot wish to keep you up -o late.." "Pray stay with ns, and we will join you in Jieuhh to your absent ones." ïhackeray replied that he would be deligiiited to do bo ii it wovild not treepass om tlieir liours oï rest.. He sat at the side oí the great fireplaee and lookcd tivo or thvee times at the clock apooa the mantel to note the ïlight of minutes. "Do not trouble yourself about tne time,' 'said Mr. 1'icknor, "I wlll let you know wlieu it is 12 o'clock." At tlie momenit the neiv year bega.n Thackeray took in. liis hand a Rla.cs of sherry, rose to his leet and said tai tremulous tones : "God bless my motlierless girls ! God bless tliem and all wlio are good to them !" Drinking the vine, he bale liis host good night. and without nnother word retired (rom the room, leaving