150 A WAY TO BE HAPPY.
would be far preferable to @ state of idle-
ness.”

This admission seemed made with some
reluctance. It was the first time he had
confessed, even to himself, that he had
committed an error in giving up his shop.
The effect of what Mr. Steele had said was
a resolution, after debating the pros and
cons for nearly @ month, to recommence
business; but before this could take place,
the kind of business must be determined.
Since Mr. Parker had ceased to be a hatter
and set up for @ gentleman of fortune, his
ideas of his own importance had consider-
ably increased. To come back into his
old position, therefore, could not be thought
of. His wife argued for the shop, but he
would not listen to her arguments. His
fnal determination was to become a grocer,
and a grocer he became. No doubt he
thought it more worthy of his dignity to
sell rice, sugar, 80a, candles, etc., than
hats. Why one should be more honourable
or dignified than the other we do not