WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 143

 

though he avoided disapproval. Increased expense
demanded an increase of income; and his thoughts
were all now bent suggestively in that direction.
As for Edith, her burdens were heavy enough; and
her husband, though he did not check her generous
enthusiasm, by no means acquiesced in the plan of
evening toil for his wife out of the range of her
many domestic duties.

A few days went by, with no incident of import-
ance. Claire, during the time, appeared, to: his
wife more thoughtful that usual. One evening he
came home with a brighter countenance.

“Good news, Edie,” said he in a cheerful voice,
as soon as the children’s glad and noisy welcome of
their father was over; and he drew his wife aside
as he spoke.

“ Good news, dear,” he repeated. ‘I was sure
the way would open for us, and it has opened.”

“How, Edward?” asked Edith, with a quickly
flushing face. ‘‘ How has it opened ?”

“T’ve secured employment for my evenings, at
six dollars a week. So all will go on with us the
same as usual. ‘The only drawback lies in the fact
that you will have to remain at home alone. But,
= the sake of the end, you will bear that cheer-

a

The light which had come into Edith’s counte-
nance faded.

“What kind of employment ?” she inquired, with
a slight huskiness of voice. |

“T’ve engaged to act as clerk in an auction store,
where they have regular night-sales.”’

Edith shook her head.