"
"Why not, father? Why not? You have bestowed 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? Can I 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 capital 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 struggle, 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 conscience.
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 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.
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