Page:The Poor Rich Man, and the Rich Poor Man.djvu/67

Rh "Did he? did he?—he would not say so now!"

"Maybe not. I shall always think, if he had not gone to New-York, that would have come to pass that we expected; but I believe, Susy, it is very hard to keep from being worldly-minded in a city. When I was in New-York, as I have often told you, the chief conversation was about dress and making money. Oh how I did long to hear something about something profitable. You know I never was in favour of Harry's going there—I never liked his going into partnership with Morris Finley—he'd better have sat over his lapstone the rest of his life."

"But, Lottie, you forget the weakness in his breast."

"I do—that was a good reason for giving up his trade, but not for going to New-York."

"Yes, but you forget what flattering prospects he had; and," she added, with a sigh, "after his parents' death, he had not much to keep him here; and, having all his portion of the estate in money, he thought it would enable him to carry on business to the greatest advantage in New-York. He explained all this to our satisfaction then."

"Yes; and when he told us about his plans, and seemed to be in such a hurry to get ahead, I was sure he was hinting at sharing with you, though he did not seem to think it best to speak out."

"I thought so too, Lottie; but I know I was very much to blame for setting my heart that way, when I had no more reason; and then, his always writing and sending something by every opportunity—to be sure, the letters were directed to you, but somehow they always seemed written to me;