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2 mere boast. The cunning citizen was well aware, that those who envied and censured his apparent vanity would serve to spread reports of his wealth, and, by that means, add to his credit. His aim was completely attained; the idle capital of old dollars, wisely exposed to view in the hall, brought a large interest, by means of the silent bond for payment which it gave in all the merchant’s undertakings. It became, however, at last a rock on which the welfare of the house was wrecked.

Old Melchior died suddenly, from swallowing too much or too hastily, of some renovating cordial at a city feast, without being able to settle his affairs, and left all his property to his only son, in the full bloom of youth, who had just attained the age fixed by law for entering into possession of his inheritance. Francis was a noble fellow, endowed by nature with excellent qualities. He was well made, strong and robust, with a jovial, happy disposition, as if old French wine and hung beef had largely contributed to call him into existence.

Health glowed on his cheeks, and content and youthful cheerfulness shone in his dark eyes.