emselves. As he moved about that store, or
whittled in that counting-room, or sat on that back piazza, and took of
the cool summer breeze, fresh kisses of beauty borne up from the
laughing lake, he would still be called Squire Fabens, but it would
come with more emphasis and meaning than now, while delving in the
vulgar soil.

Scene second was opened. The store was the same, but the business
extended, calling another clerk to the counter; the seats were there,
and the pleasant views around; the company sulky, polished like a
razor, danced on its light elliptics, behind a proud pawing horse at
the post; and the sun literally revelled in the yellow gold that flamed
on the sanded sign over the door.

His eyes were still more pleased, and there flocked around his heart
sensations of more exalted bliss. The chances of his fortune were very
large, and sure; but he would feel rich on a quarter of what would be
required in older sections, and in cities. If he could have ten
thousand dollars, and a clear conscience and good name left, he would
feel richer than many with a million. He would be rich enough, and
thank no man for more. No man ought to accumulate more. With that
fortune he could settle down, in the pleasantest home.

That home rose before him in the scene. It stood fronting the village
green. It supported its piazza and Paris green blinds, and was white
and modest in all appearance. It was a two-story house of course, for
a story and a half would look too much like a squatter's home, in a
village; yet it was not over large. A large house would give Mrs.
Fabens too much care and work, and she would not have a servant to wait
on her. The house was just suited to his family. It was furnished
neatly but prudently; having a sofa indeed, and one large mirror; but
brick fireplaces, frugal lamps, a plain carpet in the parlor, and maple
chairs with simple flag-seats.

In that home, how much comfort he could take when his friends gave him
calls; when Fanny and her children came home on a visit, and when some
poor weary mendicant entered for shelter, alms and rest! To that home
he could retire in a few years, free from the cares of business,
anxious for nothing, but the good of his neighbors, still young in his
heart, and fresh in all his feelings to enjoy life's blessing and peace.

Scene third was opened. The store remained, with an increase of
business, and an enlargement of the building. He still contin