Page:Stories after Nature.pdf/94

70 is the tough cable to anchor us through life with some safety; or to teach us to bear defeat with power; and is one of the next things under fate.

Now the brother, who was called Bruno, from the difference of his nature, had treated the idleness of Philippo with contempt; and was always the first to level little unpleasant truisms at him, to endeavour to arouse him to a sense of his worldly perdition. Bruno was stationed in the house of a merchant, as a poor assistant at the books; but, making business his god, he was always at hand, being present from light till dark, and labouring with devotion at all times. From this he became useful; and those above him, feeling they could repose all trust in him, neglected many things for their pleasures that they otherwise would not have done; so that from being useful he became invaluable, and of course rose according to his importance. Having been in the concern a short time, both the other parties died, and left him master of a most wealthy business, of which he made the most; taking no one in to relieve him, but working in the same way as when he had come to it the first day. He thought not of his banished brother, nor cared for him; advancing such only as were the most industrious in his affairs.