Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/153

Rh "Why didn't he let us know their condition sooner?"

"Ah, Susan, it's very hard for such a man to beg."

"But it should not be called begging, shoild it, mother? If, as you and father say, we are all children of one family, when one wants what another has to spare, I do not see why the one should not ask, or the other should think it such a mighty favour to give."

"You have the right feeling about it, my dear; but the difficulty is to reconcile the charities of life with the spirit of independence and self-reliance which is so necessary to industry and exertion: but where is Louisa?"

"She is sitting with mammy: her head has been much worse since you went out, and Louisa will not leave her."

"I am glad of it: many a night has mammy sat by your bedsides, patiently watching over you. But, Kate," added the mother, for the first time espying a child of eight years watching the proress of her brothers' drawing, "how happens it you are up yet?"

"Oh, mother, we have had such a funny time, planning houses!"

"Planning houses! what do you mean?"

An explanation followed, by which it appeared that Mr. Beckwith contemplated building a block of houses, to rent to those who could afford to pay only a low rent. The houses were to contain every convenience and comfort compatible with a reasonable per centage on the money invested. Mr. Beckwith had set his children to drawing