True Riches; Or, Wealth Without Wings

brooding shadow was on her heart, though she could not see the bird of night from whose wings it had fallen. Frequently, during the afternoon, tears had wet her cheek; and when an old friend of he

led heart of Mrs. Claire beat with freer pulsations. And yet something about her husband appeared strange. There was a ma

ufficient over-action to betray the artifice, or, at least, to awaken a doubt. Still, Edith was greatly relieved by t

after the table was cleared away, and Edith had taken her sewing. Then, for the first time, he though

morning, dear, that has ma

wife, looking instantly into his fac

new Mr. Elder or his

d the name,

r died la

family did

and on

laire

bly off in the world?" she

afraid, he's not left

en appointed

Jas

Elder, and found her in a very low stat

rd! D

sweet little girl, not five year

very

e to look after the funeral arrangements; so I went to the house, and attended to matters as

Mrs. Claire, the mother's impuls

vely child it

ear relative

east, so Ja

become of

me somewhere-a home procured for money. But her future comfort and well-being will depend more on a series of happy a

laire, with a tender smile; "say, wise pro

ge in his tone. "I would not call that providence wise by whi

al interests. It permits evil and suffering to-day, but only that good, a higher than earthly good, may come on the morrow. It was no blind chance, believe me, my husband, that led to the appointment of Mr. Jasper as

ith. I wish I could believe

with a gentle rebuke in her countenance. "Edward, how can you speak so? Is not m

t I'm not one of the

his face, but his wife lo

ator be infinite, wise, and good, he will seek the well-being of his creatures, even though they turn from him to do violence to his laws; and, in his infinite love and wisdom, will so order and arrange events as t

re a wise preacher, and as good as you are wise. I only wish that I could see and fee

with unexpected earnestness; "say not so! It hu

as good as you are

ere is none good but God,"

rned Claire, with a sudden emotion th

less for a moment, and then burying his face on the bosom of his wife, sobbed for the

nd so moved. No wonder that sh

er, agitated words, so soon as she could speak. "What

hough he was gaining some

ur wife, and do I not love you with a love no words can express? Am I not your best and closest frie

bsided. He was still bowed forward, with his face hid on her bosom, while her arm was drawn lovingly around him. So they remained for a time longe

dear husband!"

lling response; and Claire pressed his lips

dream, Edith!" said he

, I am aw

urned his wife, not fu

I dreamed, or was under some dire enchantment.

Oh, speak to me a

will try and get another place. I don't believe it is good for me to live with Leonard Jasper. Go

w had fallen on t

hat I say is true, too true. I wish it were not so. Ah! this passage

n a gentle yet earnest and penetrating voice, laying her hand lov

harm us. Our worst

thi

our distrusts and unsatisfied desire

in an abstracted manner, an

?" asked Edith, comprehending still mo

deeply, but

ould not do i

comforts that we do not now

and honest labour, then they may increase the delights of life; but never otherwise. If the heart is set on them, their acquirement will surely end in disappointment. Possession will create satiety; and the mind too quickly turns from the good it has

as a glimpse of the truth, but to fully realize it is hard.

same infinite love-cared for, whether w

of your clearer intuitions. Ah, how different from this pure faith is the fa

by the living God are blessed both in the getting and in the keeping. These never produce satiety, never take to themselves wings. Good affections and true thoughts continually nourish and re-create the mind. They

which the minds of both

the words of her husband, "that there

vil that assaults me. I must strive with and overcome the tempter. I must think less of this world and its riche

you are, and be out of

danger e

more imminent danger. Is it

nnot afford to give up

ning, you will be

ng to overreach in dealing, and expects every

he spirit in the very atmosphere around such a man. You cannot serve

ntence. "But what am I to do? Five hundred dollars a year is little enough for our wants; I have, as you know, been dissa

im, Edward,"

hundred a year? It

e a situation far to be prefe

taken from our present income, w

joyment, Edward, by such a change. Have you grown

his head sadly, and

nguish of mind we have both suffer

lushing of the face

claimed Edward, wit

darkness, and I at the same time in light? No, no; that were impossible. You have been in great peril; I knew that some evil threatened you, even before you confessed it with y

in his mind before, there was none now. He resolved to make restitution in the morning, and, as soon as opportunity offered, to