Page:Advice to young ladies on their duties and conduct in life - Arthur - 1849.djvu/40

32 marries into a rich family, and obtains thereby a good addition to his wealth. But the more he gets in this way, the more extended, generally, become his business operations, and the more certain his ultimate ruin.”

“The picture you draw is not a very encouraging one, at least,” said the daughter, half smiling, half serious.

“But you may depend upon its being a true one,” replied her father. “All that I describe I have seen over and over again, in real life.”

“Then we are in as much danger of being reduced to poverty as any around us.”

“Just as much, Jane. Twice have I lost every dollar I possessed in the world. Years and severe experience have made me more wary and prudent than I was earlier in life, and the chances of my retaining what I now have are quite in my favor. But I shall pass away, long, it may be, before you, and you will receive and commit into the hands of another the portion of my property that will fall to your share. As I have been unfortunate, so may he; and from ease and affluence you may sink into poverty. God grant that it may not be so,” the father said with emotion, “but the chances are greatly in favor of its occurrence. Warned in time, my child, as you now are, if you are wise,