But everything seemed to grow darker and darker for him.

In the whole of his school life, he had never encountered a student who could surpass him in intellectual ability; and yet, here he was with all his conceded worth, unable to find a fit place to earn his daily bread, all because of the color of his skin.

And now the Lord was about to bless him with an offspring.

He hardly knew whether to be thankful or sorrowful over this prospective gift from heaven.
On the one hand, an infant in the home would be a source of unbounded joy; but over against this pleasing picture there stood cruel want pointing its wicked, mocking finger at him, anxious for another victim.

As the time for the expected gift drew near, Belton grew more moody and despondent.