True Riches; Or, Wealth Without Wings

ld would receive from his kind-hearted wife. A word or two of explan

glad you brought her home. Come, dear," speaking to the wonde

zed for some moments into her face, pleased,

prattling tongue released itself from a long silence. An hour afterward, when she was laid to sleep in a temporary bed, made for

serious conference betw

eville to-day,"

glad of that,

give me

d ag

he can only pay me a salar

reply; "it is better than

Edith?" Edward spoke

o do. Trust it to me, dear. I will bring the account out even. And we will be just as happy. As happy? Oh, a thousand times happier! A hundred dollars!

, dear, I should be man enough, should have integrity eno

. "If Mr. Melleville will pay you four hundred dollars a year, take his

in, E

Highly as riches are esteemed-the one great good in life as they are regarded-they never have given and never will give this best of all bless

haps

ght? Mr. and Mrs. Casswell are rich-we a

ward warmly. "I would not exchange places with h

on the part of both to make some show, they would have possessed a large share of that inestimable blessing, contentment. After a while, William's salary was raised to one thousand dollars. Then they must have a whole house to themselves, as if their two nice rooms were not as large and comfortable, and as well suited to their real wants as before. They must

en hundred a year, n

nsettled state of mind when I last saw her. New wants have be

think we might bear an increased income wit

ndness that he has opened the way so opportunely for you to leave the path of doubt and dan

Edith! Why do

ier for the change?"

lieve

uch of heartfelt pleasure. Why do you desire a

more of the comforts

ody, and satisfact

es

ey now enjoy? They are warmly clothed, full

t

ou lose nothing for the body, and gain largel

, "you are a wonderful reasoner.

my positions sound, and my ded

one of voice, "how smoothly would life glide onward. Money is not every thing.

quickly. "Riches that never fade, nor fail; that take to themselves no wing

fferent wife-a lover of the world and its poor vanities-how imminent would have been my danger! Alas! scarcely any thing less than a m

orning, was in relation to what he had seen at the funeral, and, p

e," was replied, in ans

ed taken by surprise.

dy to leave the house. Of course the poor child could not re

sper, with something in his tone that s

hat she would have done

believe?" said Jasper, aft

t is

hree in

y th

ere are two houses, unincumbered, that are rented each for two hundred and fifty dollars a year. Of course, you will receive a reasonable sum for taking care of the child. Wh

nsult my wife," said Claire, in re

dd to your income. I'm sure it won't cost you one-half the sum,

ily might so increase her care and labour as to make a servant necessary. Then we should have to have an additional room; the rent

ly anxious that Claire should take the orphan, for then all the trouble of looking a

y easy. If your wife does not seem at first inclined, talk to her seriously. This addition to your income will be a great help. To show her that I am perfectly i

the matter over with h

et more than a fair profit, but he steadily adhered to what he believed to be right, notwithstanding Jasper once or twice expressed dissatisfaction at his not having m

e orphan, caused Claire to postpone the announcement of his intention to

ded his wife approved the arrangement,-and it was to come through Jasper. The more he thought of this increase, the more his natural cupidity was stirred, and the less willing he felt to give up the proposed one hundred dollars in his salary. If he pers

ed by the animated expression of his wife's face. She raised her finger to enjoin

-tread softly-there, isn't t

, the two children. Pressed close together were their rosy checks; and the sunny curls of Fanny Elder were

hing so beautiful?" sai

ake!" remarked Edward, who

I would like ju

utiful child,

And little Edie is so delighted. They have played all the morning like kittens; and a little while ago lay down, just as you se

. Clair

g to give her up, if she rem

even now. Oh, isn't it sad to think that she has n

s her guardia

such a g

ith her beyond paying the bills for her maintenance. He will place her in some family to board; and her present

h si

pause, "that we were able

sighed

to any one who will take the entire care

ght had gleamed over t

aid so thi

e her? I am willing," was

re and responsibi

rompts, duty becomes a pleasure. O yes, d

ake room

hrough the day she will be a companion for Edie. If you could only have seen how sweetl

eriously. "In fact, Mr. Jasper proposed that we should ta

objection, dea

nal cost of housekeeping. If you are prepared for the extra dutie

take her in and let her share our home. She is now in the special guardianship of the Father of the fatherless, and he will provide for her, no matter wh

hen, as you

usehold was yet the burden of their conversation. "We shall gain here all, and more than all that will be lost in giving up your situation wi

rd thoughtfully. "But my eye of

nchor. That, in summing up the events of our life, when the time of our departure comes, we shall see clearly that each has been wisely ordered or provided for by One who is infinitely good a

eedily!" was the ferv

ai