I can scarcely realize that it is so," replied Claire, also exhibiting emotion.
"You ought not to remain in the employment of Leonard Jasper.

That, at least, is plain.

Better, far better, to subsist on bread and water, than to live sumptuously on the ill-gotten gold of such a man." "Yes, yes, Mr.Melleville, I feel all the truth of what you affirm, and am resolved to seek for another place.

Did you not say, when we parted two years ago, that if ever I wished to return, you would endeavour to make an opening for me ?" "I did, Edward; and can readily bring you in now, as one of my young men is going to leave me for a higher salary than I can afford to pay.
There is one drawback, however." "What is that, Mr.Melleville ?" "The salary will be only four hundred dollars a year." "I shall expect no more from you." "But can you live on that sum now?
Remember, that you have been receiving five hundred dollars, and that your wants have been graduated by your rate of income.

Let me ask--have you saved any thing since you were married ?" "Nothing." "So much the worse.