THERE IS NO HURRY. 149

as to render him careless, he got rid of his debt,
and then his wife agreed with him “ that they
might live as they pleased.”

It so happened that Charles Adams was pre-
sent when this observation was made, and it
spoke well for both the brothers that their dif.
ferent positions in society had not in the small-
est degree cooled their boyhood’s affection; not
even the money transactions of former times,
which so frequently create disunion, had chang-
ed them; they met less frequently, but they
always met with pleasure, and separated with
regret.

__ “ Well!” exclaimed the doctor triumphant-

ly, as he glanced around his splendid rooms,
and threw himself into a chaise longue—then a
new luxury—* well, it is certainly a charming
feeling to be entirely out of debt.”

“And yet,” said his wife, “it would not be
wise to confess it in our circle.”

‘“‘ Why?” inquired Charles.

“‘ Because it would prove that we had been in
it,” answered the lady.

‘* At all events,” said John, “ nowI shall not
have to reproach myself with every extra ex-
pense, and think I ought to pay my debts first ;
now I may live exactly as I please.”

‘I do not think so,” said Charles.

‘* Not think so!’ repeated Mrs. Adams in a
tone of astonishment. 3

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