ept it."

"It would have done you more good than the squire," said Sarah.

"He has more money than he knows what to do with," said her father,
almost complainingly. "It seems hard that money should be so unevenly
distributed."

"Money is not happiness," said Mrs. Nelson quietly.

"No; but it helps to buy happiness."

"I don't think Squire Hudson is as happy a man as you, Mark."

Mark Nelson's face softened as he surveyed his wife and children.

"I am happy at home," he said, "and I don't think the squire is."

"I am sure he isn't," said Tom. "Mrs. Hudson is sour and ill-tempered,
and Sinclair--the only child--is a second edition of his mother. He is
the most unpopular boy in the village."

"Still," said the farmer, not quite convinced, "money is an important
element of happiness, and a farmer stands a very poor chance of
acquiring it. Tom, I advise you not to be a farmer."

"I don't mean to be if I can help it," said Tom. "I am ready for any
opening that offers. I hope some day to pay off the mortgage on the
farm, and make you a free man, father."

"Thank you for your good intentions, Tom; but two thousand dollars is a
large sum of money."

"I know it, father; but I was reading in a daily paper, not long since,
of a boy, as poor as myself, who was worth twenty-five thousand dollars
by the time he was thirty. Why shouldn't this happen to me?"

"Don't build castles in the air, Tom," said his mother sensibly.

"At least, mother, I may hope for good luck. I have been wanting to talk
to you both about my future prospects. I shall be sixteen next week,
and it is time I did something."

"You are doing something--working on the farm now, Tom."

"That don't count. Father advises me not to be a farmer, and I agree
with him. I think I am capable of making my way in the world in some
other way, where I can earn more money. There is Walter, who likes the
country, to stay with you."

Walter, the third child, was now twelve years of age, with decided
country tastes.

"I would like to be a farmer as well as anything," said Walter. "I like
the fresh air. I shouldn't like to be cooped up in a store, or to live
in the city. Let Tom go if he likes."

"I have no objection," said Mr. Nelson; "but I have neither money nor
influence to help him. He will have to make his own way."

"I am not afraid to try," said Tom courageously. "From this day I will
look out for a chance, if you and mother are willing."

"I shall not