ps, been the cause of the child's untimely death,
and lamented that she had not opposed a measure which she had undertaken
solely for its benefit. The death of friends is a calamity that few have
not strength enough to bear, if they do not exaggerate their sufferings,
by imagining that something was done, or left undone, for which they were
responsible. To this nervous state of feeling Frances was peculiarly
liable, from her ill health; and it was many weeks before her excellent
powers of mind obtained full exercise. Yet they finally triumphed, and
she became first resigned, then cheerful. The sorrow of the father was
of a different character, and exhausted itself in proportion to its
violence. It was followed by new projects and new anticipations; the
manufactory had succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations. A
discovery had been made that enabled them to afford their cloth a cent
per yard cheaper than any other manufacturing establishment. Bales of
cotton poured in upon him from the south, and ships arrived from various
parts of the world. How could he find time for grief!

CHAPTER IV.

The first visit Frances made to the lake after her return, discovered to
her, that it was sadly changed. It was no longer full to overflowing,
but swampy and low; the water was constantly drained off to supply the
manufactory and mills which were erected at a distance. Mr. Draper had
found out that the little stream could much more than earn its own
living, and it was made to work hard. One thing, however, was wanting to
complete his Clyde speculations, and that was a rail-road. This had now
become necessary. Every thing afforded the greatest facility for it.
Laborers could be procured from the village and farms in the vicinity.
Yet how could he reconcile his wife to it? The road must pass through
the hill, and near the house. He was aware that it would destroy the
rural beauty of the place; but what an increase of wealth it would be!
what a princely revenue! what a spirit of business and speculation it
would spread through the country! Every man would be able not only to
make the most of his capital, but to get credit to ten times its real
amount. He considered it a public benefit, and he was imperiously called
to accomplish it; and so he stated the matter to his wife with as much
tenderness towards her feelings as the case would admit.

"I hoped," said she, "that the sum of your public benefits was com