WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 63

 

look at William Everhart and his wife. When we
were married they occupied two rooms, at a low
rent, as we Now do. Their income was just what
ours has been. Well, they enjoyed life. We vi-
sited them frequently, and they often called to see
us. But for a little ambition on the part of both to
make some show, they would have possessed a large
share of that inestimable blessing, contentment. Af-
ter a while, William’s salary was raised to one thou-
sand 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, also, have showy
furniture for their friends to look at. Were they
any happier for this change ?—for this marked im-
provement in their external condition? We have
talked this over before, Edward. No, they were
not. In fact, they were not so comfortable. With
added means had come a whole train of clamorous
wants, that even the doubled salary could not sup-
ly.”

“ Byerhart gets fifteen hundred a year, now, re-
marked Claire.

“That will account, then,” said Edith, smiling,
“for Emma’s unsettled state of mind when I last
saw her. New wants have been created ; and they
have disturbed the former tranquillity.”

“ All are not so foolish as they have been. I
think we might bear an increased income without
the drawbacks that have attended theirs.’

“Tf it had been best for us, my husband, God
would have provided it. It is in his loving-kindness
that he has opened the way so opportunely for you