In former times, business was regarded as the means by which a competency might be obtained; and he pursued it with this end.

Having secured wealth, he retired from busy life, hoping to find ample enjoyment in the seclusion of an elegant rural home.

But, already, restlessness had succeeded to inactivity, and now his mind was gathering up its latent strength for new efforts, in new and broader fields, and under the spur of a more vigorous impulse.
"Edward!" It was the low voice of his wife, and the soft touch of her hand, that startled the dreaming enthusiast from visions of wealth and power that dazzled him with their brilliancy.
"Come, Edward, it is growing late," said his wife.
"How late ?" he replied, looking up from the paper he had covered with various memoranda, and clusters of figures.
"It is past eleven o'clock." "That cannot be, Agnes.

It is only a short time since I left the table.
"Full three hours.

All have retired and are sleeping.