Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/155

Rh appeased the demands of justice by the detection and apprehension of the gang associated with Smith, vouchsafed to assure Aikin that, provided the black trunk was forthcoming in the morning, no proceedings should be instituted against Paulina.

"Good night, Mr. Beckwith," said Aikin, as he parted from his friend at the corner of the street—"I am obliged to you."

"Oh, no, no, Aikin—I am the person obliged; for I go to bed the happier for having done you this service."

Aikin was a reflecting man—and, as he walked hurriedly home, eager to relieve Paulina of a part of her miserable burden, he made many reflections upon the different scenes he had witnessed that evening—at his own home—in Paulina's room—at Morris Finley's—and at Mr. Beckwith's; and he was confirmed in his previous conclusion, that riches consist not in the abundance of possessions, nor poverty in their scantiness; that the mind is the treasure-house; and, finally, that Paulina, though poor indeed, was not much poorer than Morris Finley and his wife.