Ah, my husband! I do not like this new direction your thoughts are taking.
To me, there is in it a prophecy of evil to us all." "A mere superstitious impression, Agnes dear: nothing more, you may depend upon it.

I am in the vigour of manhood.

My mind is yet clear, strong, and suggestive--and my reason, I hope, more closely discriminating, as every man's should be with each added year of his life.

Shall I let all these powers slumber in disgraceful inactivity! No, Agnes, it cannot, must not be." Mr.Markland spoke with a fervid enthusiasm, that silenced his wife--confusing her thoughts, but in no way inspiring her with confidence.

Hitherto, he had felt desirous of concealing from her the fact that he was really entering into new business responsibilities; but now, in his confident anticipations of success, he divulged a portion of the enlarged range of operations in which he was to be an active co-worker.
"We have enough, Edward," was the almost mournfully-uttered reply of Mrs.Markland--"why, then, involve yourself in business cares?
Large transactions like those bring anxious days and wakeful nights.