The condition of Mr.Melleville's business gave him no encouragement to hope for a larger income while in his service.

Several times during the last two years he had made application for vacant places, but without success.

Sometimes he felt restless and discouraged, as his vision penetrated the future; but there was ever a cheerful light at home that daily dispelled the coming shadows.
Scarcely had the sigh lost itself on the air, when a hand was laid on his arm, and an old acquaintance said-- "Ah, Edward! How are you ?" Claire seeing the face of his friend, returned the greeting cordially.
"What have you been doing with yourself ?" asked the latter.

"It is months, I believe, since I had the pleasure of meeting you." "Busy all day," returned Clare, "and anchored at home in the evening.
So the time is passing." "Pleasantly and profitably, I hope," said the friend.
"Pleasantly enough, I will own," was answered; "as to the profit--if you mean in a money sense--there is not much to boast of." "You are still with Melleville ?" "Yes." "At what salary ?" "Five hundred." "Is that all?
How much family have you ?" "Three children; or, I might say four; but the fourth brings us three hundred dollars a year for her maintenance." "That is something." "Oh yes.

It is quite a help." "By the way, Edward--the new store we just past reminds me of it--your old friend Jasper has just given one of his clerks, named Parker, an interest in his business." "So I am aware." "Jasper is doing first-rate." "He is making money, I believe." "Coining it.