sorbed by business as merchants."

"I believe we shall find human nature much the same in all situations,"
said Howard. "There is one great advantage, however, in farming--that
is, its comparative security:--we are satisfied with moderate gains; we
have none of those tremendous anxieties that come with sudden failures,
the fall of stocks, and obstructed currency."

"And this is every thing," said Mrs. Draper, with enthusiasm. "Nobody
knows better than I do, how a noble and cultivated mind may be subjugated
by the feverish pursuit of wealth--how little time can be spared to the
tranquil pleasures of domestic life, to the home of early affection--"
She stopped, and seemed embarrassed.--Howard's color rose high; there was
a pause. At length he said,

"Every situation has its trials; those who best support them are the
happiest. But we are growing serious. I want to see your children--how
they compare with mine in health and size, and whether we can build any
theory in favor of a country life in this respect."

The children were brought; they were both girls. The eldest was the
picture of health, but the youngest seemed to have inherited something of
the delicacy of her mother's constitution.

"I can scarcely show one amongst my boys," said Howard, "that gives
evidence of more ruddy health than your eldest girl, Frances; but my
wife's little namesake, Charlotte, looks more like a city-bred lady.--O,
here comes my brother James."

Mr. Draper entered. A close observer would have been struck with the
difference of expression in the countenances of the two brothers,
although they were marked by a strong resemblance. That of the eldest
was eager and flushed; the brightness of his eye was not dimmed, but it
was unsettled and flashing; there were many lines of care and anxiety,
and his whole air marked him as a business man. Howard's exterior was
calm, and thoughtful;--the very hue of his sun-burnt complexion seemed to
speak of the healthy influence of an out-of-door atmosphere. They were
both men of education and talent; but circumstances early in life
rendered them for a time less united. Both had fixed their affections on
the gentle being before them. James was the successful suitor. There
are often wonderful proofs of St. Pierre's proposition that 'harmony
proceeds from contrast.' Frances and Howard had much the same tastes and
pursuits. Howard's attachment was deep and silent; James's, ardent and
zealousl