The Washingtonian., 1845-08-16

eHHiUiteu an appearance oI HcdtueSS aHd CON-
fort. Some might have objected to the litter
of playthings scattered about the floor by the
children but for our own part we think it
spoke of comfort, more than all the rest.
Sand all the children are well dressed !"
thought Edward. They returned to the room.
Edward had already noticed, with some sur
prise, handsome bookcase, and he now went
up to it to examine its contents. He expected
to find little besides shilling literature. The
collection proved 10 be not very extensive, but
so far as it went, was composed of the standard
works of English, American and French lite
rature, in the best editions and neatly bound
"This appears to be valuable collection" !"
"Too valuable, perhaps, for my meaus. But
this is my besetting weakness. am an epicure
in books, and can no more enjoy a favorite book
miserable got up, than an alderman can enjoy
his favorte dish miserably cooked"
Il commend your taste; but it must have
cost you considerable to crafty it."
"Why, if had been told the sum total of
the cost of such collection at first, believe
might have been little alarmed; however,
it has been made SO gradually, that l have
hardly been aware Of the expense"
Tea was now announced. There had been
no time for extraordinary preparation, yet the
table was furnished with plenty and elegance,
and Edward enjoyed the repast far more than
his last nights expensive rout. After tea, the
conversation became general. Edward hap.
pened to speak of the late Oratorio, but a mo-
ment after secretly blamed himself for alluding
to an entertainment he could not suppose they
were acquainted with He found, however, in
the course of conversation, that they were
familiar with all the higher order of public
amusements. BY some occasional prattle with
the children, he perceived that they were pretty
well educated. He inquired what school they
attended, and found it was one that not only
bore high reputation. but charged higi,
price. ........
As he rose to take his leave, he thankfully
accepted the invitation to repeat his visit His
friend, on lighting him down, observed an air
of deep abstraction on his face and as they
stood in the door, asked him if his headache
was still troublesome.
"Oh, no, it is entirely dissipated. How plea
SAINT the evening has been! By the bye, ex-
cuse me for asking-have You any means Of
income beyond the countng-house Z"
"Not farthing. May know why you ask?"
Il will tell you tomorrow after counting
hours. What an inexplcable problem!'
CHAPTER II.
The next day, the friends remained in the
counting. house after the usual hour of closing,
for the purpose of conversation.
Il have been thinking" said George, of
your inquiry last evening, and incline to sup
pose from it you had some idea of suggesting
an increase of my salary. am sensible Of the
kindness of your intention, but have no doubt
the firm will do what is right at proper time,
without any hint, and am very we'll contented
already"
Edward heard him out, without smile, and,
shaking his head, replied
"You give me too much credit for good in
tentions. The object Of my inquiry was merely
in the expectation of solution to a problem;
but your answer only made it moro intricate" !"
"Cannot assist you! | have dipped little
in Euclid"
81 believe you can without the help Of alge-
bra or geometry; and have to request you
will, for am fairly at non-plus.'
"Well, | will see what can do," said
George, taking up slate and pencil.
In the first place. said Edward, 81 under.
stand that you have no source of income beyond
your salary of six hundred year out Of which
you pay pretty good rent, SO far as | can
Judge from your accommodations"
4 "Only hundred and fifty"
"And that leaves just four hundred and fifty
for all your other expenses. You have wife
and three children to provide for. Your house
is well furnished, your family are we'll dressed
your table is well furnished, your children are
we'll educated. You do not appear to deny
yourself any rational and elegant amusement,
and in one respect you even indulge in luxury
of taste. Nay, you have been able to oblge
me with considerable loan, and to wait patti
emily for its return. Is not this all true.'
81 thankfully admit it," .,.1
"On the other hand, have no one to pro-