You may not be sorry to learn, that, though not what GREAT MERCHANTS call very rich, I was comfortable, -- comfortable,--so that most of those moderate luxuries I described in my verses on CONTENTMENT--MOST of them, I say--were within our reach, if we chose to have them.

But I found out that the schoolmistress had a vein of charity about her, which had hitherto been worked on a small silver and copper basis, which made her think less, perhaps, of luxuries than even I did,--modestly as I have expressed my wishes.
It is a rather pleasant thing to tell a poor young woman, whom one has contrived to win without showing his rent-roll, that she has found what the world values so highly, in following the lead of her affections.

That was an enjoyment I was now ready for.
I began abruptly:--Do you know that you are a rich young person?
I know that I am very rich,--she said .-- Heaven has given me more than I ever asked; for I had not thought love was ever meant for me.
It was a woman's confession, and her voice fell to a whisper as it threaded the last words.
I don't mean that,--I said,--you blessed little saint and seraph! -- if there's an angel missing in the New Jerusalem, inquire for her at this boarding house!--I don't mean that! I mean that I--that is, you--am--are--confound it!--I mean that you'll be what most people call a lady of fortune.

And I looked full in her eyes for the effect of the announcement.
There wasn't any.

She said she was thankful that I had what would save me from drudgery, and that some other time I should tell her about it .-- I never made a greater failure in an attempt to produce a sensation.
So the last day of summer came.