Ten thousand dollars had gone forward to New York; and in the course of next week he must produce a sum of equal magnitude.

To do this, would require the sale of a piece of real estate that had, in five years, been doubled in value, and which promised to be worth still more.

He felt a particular reluctance to selling this property; and the necessity for doing so worried his mind considerably.

"Better let well enough alone." "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush." One after another, these trite little sayings would come up in his thoughts, unbidden, as if to add to his mental disquietude.
In spite of his efforts to thrust them aside, and to get back his strong confidence in the new business, Mr.Markland's feelings steadily declined towards a state of unpleasant doubt.

Reason as he would on the subject, he could not overcome the depression from which he suffered.
"I am almost sorry that I was tempted to embark in this business," he at length said to himself, the admission being extorted by the pressure on his feelings.