Look around, and say whose intelligence, whose taste, are visible wherever the eye falls ?" "A poor, vain life, for a man of thought and energy, has been mine, Agnes, during the last few years.

The world has claims on me beyond that of mere landscape-gardening! In a cultivation of the beautiful alone no man of vigorous mind can or ought to rest satisfied.

There is a goal beyond, and it is already dimly revealed, in the far distance, to my straining vision." "I greatly fear, Edward," replied his wife, speaking in her gentle, yet impressive way, "that when the goal you now appear so eager to reach, is gained, you will see still another beyond." "It may be so, Agnes," was answered, in a slightly depressed voice; "yet the impulse to bear onward to the goal now in view is not the less ardent for the suggestion.

I can no more pause than the avalanche once in motion.

I must onward in the race I have entered." "To gain what, Edward ?" "I shall gain large wealth." "Have we not all things here that heart can desire, my husband ?" "No, Agnes," was replied with emphasis.
"What is lacking ?" "Contentment." "Edward!" There came a quick flush to the brow of Mrs.Markland.
"I cannot help the fact, Agnes," said Mr.Markland.