WEALTH WITHOUT WINGS. 209

 

riches, that depend on no worldly changes; laid up
in the heaven of her pure mind, where moth could
not corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal.
The better worldly fortune that now came added to
her happiness, because it afforded the means of giv-
ing to their children higher advantages, and pro-
cured for them many blessings and comforts to which
they were hitherto strangers.

Five years, passed under an almost cloudless sky,
succeeded, and then the sweet home circle was broken
by the withdrawal of one whose presence made per-
petual sunshine. One so good, so lovely, so fitted
in every way to form the centre of another home cir-
cle as Fanny Elder, could hardly remain unwooed or
unwon. Happily, in leaving the paternal haven,
her life-boat was launched on no uncertain sea. The
character of her husband was based on those sound,
religious principles, which regard justice to man as
the expression of love to God.

A few weeks after the husband of Fanny had
taken his lovely young wife to his own home, Claire
waited upon him for the purpose of making a formal
transfer of his wife’s property.

“There are four houses,” said Claire, in describ-
ing the property; « besides twelve thousand dollars
which I have in my business. A portion of this
latter I will pay over; on the balance, while it re-
mains”

“Mr. Claire,” returned the young man; interrupt-
ing him, ‘the house you now live in, Fanny says, is
your property—also the capital in your business.”

“No—no—no. This is not 80. I do not want,
and I will not keep @ dollar of her patrimony.”

18*