WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 75

 

This, to Edward, was unexpected. He felt more
bewildered and irresolute than at first. So import-
ant an advance in his income, set against a reduc-
tion of the present amount, was a strong temptation,
and he felt his old desires for money arraying them-
selves in his mind. °

‘¢T will think over your offer,” said he. “I did
not expect this. In the morning I will be prepared
to decide.”

“Very well, Edward. If you remain, your salary
will be increased to six hundred and fifty dollars.”

To Claire had now come another hour of dark-
ness. The little strength, just born of higher prin-
ciples, was to be sorely tried. Gold was in one scale,
and the heavenly riches that are without wings in
the other. Which was to overbalance?

The moment Claire entered the presence of his
wife, on returning home that evening, she saw that a
change had taken place—an unfavourable change ;
and a shadow fell upon her pure spirit.

“T spoke to Mr. Jasper about leaving him,” he
remarked, soon after he came in.

‘“¢ What did he say?” inquired Edith.

“He does not wish me to go.”

**T do not wonder at that. But, of course, he is
governed merely by a selfish regard to his own in-
terests.’

‘He offers to increase my salary to six hundred
and fifty dollars,” said Edward, in a voice that left
his wife in no doubt as to the effect which this had
produced.

‘“‘A thousand dollars a year, Edward,” was the
serious answer, ‘ would be a poor compensation for