208 TRUE RICHES; OR,

 

“Tf it is mine, father,” said Fanny, “have I not
a right to do with it what I please ?”’

‘¢Tn a certain sense you have.’

“Then I give it all to you—you, my more than
father !”

“For such a noble tender, my dear child, I thank
you in the very inmost of my heart. But I cannot
accept of it, Fanny.”’

“Why not, father? Why not? You have be-
stowed on me more than wealth could buy? I know
something of what you have borne and suffered for
me. Your health, now impaired, was broken for
me. Oh, my father! can I ever forget that? CanI
ever repay you all I owe? Were the world’s wealth
mine, it should be yours.”

Overcome by her feelings, Fanny wept for some
time on the breast of him she knew only as her
father; and there the interview closed for the time.

Soon after it was renewed ; and the occasion of
this was an advantageous business offer made to
Claire by Mr. Melleville, if he could bring in a ca-
pital of twelve thousand dollars. Two of the houses
received from Jasper, with some stocks, were sold to
furnish this capital, and Claire, after his long strug-
gle, found himself in a safe and moderately profitable
business; and, what was more, with a contented and
thankful spirit. Of what treasures was he possessed ¢
Treasures of affection, such as no money could buy ;
and, above all, the wealth of an approving con-
science.

Mrs. Claire—happy wife and mother !—how large
too was her wealth. From the beginning she had
possessed the riches which have no wings—spiritual