88 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

rapidly, he was elevated to the position of partner,
with a fair interest in the business. He had been
honest toward his employer, because he saw that
through him there was a chance to rise. Honest in
heart he was not, for he never scrupled to overreach
a customer.

Edward Claire, as we have remarked, sighed in-
voluntarily. His own prospects in life were not
what are called flattering. His situation with Mr.
Melleville was now worth five hundred dollars a
year, but his family had increased, and with the
‘nerease had come new wants. The condition of
Mr. Melleville’s business gave him no encourage-
ment to hope for a larger income while in his service.
Several times during the last two years he had made
application for vacant places, but without success.
Sometimes he felt restless and discouraged, as his
vision penetrated the future; but there was ever a
cheerful light at home that daily dispelled the
coming shadows.

Searcely had the sigh lost itself on the air, when
a hand was laid on his arm, and an old acquaintance
said—

“Ah, Edward! How are you y

Claire seeing the face of his friend, returned the
greeting cordially.

“What have you been doing with yourself?’
asked the latter. “‘ It is months, I believe, since I
had the pleasure of meeting you.”

‘¢ Busy all day,” returned Clare, “and anchored
at home in the evening. So the time is passing.”

“Pleasantly and profitably, I hope,” said the
friend.