country air will be of service to
you and Charlotte."

"We have so much more of country round us," said she, with an air of
satisfaction, "than most of my city friends, that I scarcely feel it
right to make trees or grass an excuse for emigration. I have as much
pleasure in seeing spring return to unlock my treasures, as you can have,
Howard. I must show you some of my rare plants. I have, too, my grape
and strawberry vines; and finer peach trees I do not think you can
exhibit."

"I sincerely hope," said Howard, "you will enjoy this pleasure long, and
eat fruit that you have cultivated yourself: I dare say, it is sweeter
than any you can buy."

"It ought to be," said Mr. Draper, a little seriously, "for it certainly
costs about six times as much as the highest market price that we should
pay. We live here at a most enormous rent; my conscience often twinges
me on the subject."

"And yet I have heard you say, that you bought this place lower," said
Howard, "than any which you would now occupy."

"That is true; but by taking down this building, and cutting the land
into lots, I might get a house clear." A slight flush passed over Mrs.
Draper's cheek.

"I have had applications," continued Mr. Draper, "for the whole estate as
it stands; but really, it is such a source of pleasure to my wife to have
her garden and her shrubbery, that I have not listened to them."

"Thank you," said Mrs. Draper.

"I am doubtful, however, whether I am doing right to let so much property
remain idle and useless."

"Not useless, brother," said Howard, "if it gives so much enjoyment to
your family. What can you do with money but purchase happiness in some
form or other? The benevolent purchase it by relieving the wants of
others, and are blessed in blessing; nor can I see why money may not as
wisely be expended in the purchase of a fine house and garden, as by
investing it in stocks, or ships and cargoes."

"Simply because the one is dead property, and brings no interest; the
other is constantly accumulating."

"Is there no such thing as being RICH ENOUGH?" said Howard. "Are we to
be always striving to acquire, and never sitting quietly down to enjoy?"

"No one can look forward to that time more earnestly than I do," said Mr.
Draper. "Every wise man will fix upon a certain sum, that his reason and
experience tell him will be sufficient for his expenditures; and then he
ought to retire from business, and hazard no more.--N