How happy they all were! Not selfishly happy--if such
contradictory terms may be used--but happy in the warmth of mutual
love. A heaven on earth was this little household. Shall we contrast
it with that of Leonard Jasper? No!--the opposite picture would leave
upon the reader's mind too sad an impression; and we will not burden
this chapter with another shadow.
CHAPTER XVIII.
During the five or six following years, a number of events occurred
bearing more or less seriously upon some of the actors in our story.
With Edward Claire and his family, life had flowed on in an even
current; and, but for the fact that his health never fairly recovered
from the shock it received in consequence of his having taxed his
physical system beyond its capability of endurance, the sunshine would
never have been a moment from his threshold.
The important addition made to his income through the new arrangement
volunteered by Fanny's guardian, gave to his external condition a more
favourable aspect. He was no longer troubled about the ways and means
of providing for his needful expenses. A much better situation, so far
as a higher salary was concerned, had, during this time offered; but,
as it required an amount of confinement and labour which he could not
give, without endangering his health, he wisely declined the offer.
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