either gives a stomach and no food--
Such are the poor in wealth; or else a feast,
And takes away the stomach--such are the rich,
That have abundance, and enjoy it not."

Shakspeare.

Della sat rocking by the fire, looking pale and ill, and Bernard was
fondly hanging over her chair. Minny sat a little way apart, holding
upon her lap the first-born babe--a boy--"the darling of their een."

Never was a happier father, never a prouder and more delighted mother.

"Bernard," said Della, looking up in her husband's face, "I have a plan
to propose."

"What is it, dearest?"

"Will you grant it?"

"Perhaps."

"Well, I think that now little Bernard is old enough to do a little
while without me, and what I have to propose is, that you send me in the
country, to visit our friends, and to regain my health, which you know
is sadly impaired, while Minny stays home, and takes care of you, and
plays mother to baby; what say you?"

"And leave me a widower?"

"Just a little while."

"And why not take the boy and Minny with you?"

"Oh, that would never do. Must leave my cares behind, when I go for my
health, you know."

"Poor child! it seems strange to hear you talking of cares, you who were
born to so much wealth and luxury."

"Hush, hush! you musn't talk so. Happy cares mine are, and you know it,
though not just the ones to take with me on a visit. Now confess, that
you never knew a happier little wife than yours, or a more joyous little
household than ours."

"True, in spite of our poverty."

"Yes, in spite of everything. Love is our wealth, and we are so happy in
the possession of it."

"Yet you want to run away from us all!"

"Yes, since you will have it so; do you consent?"

"Submissively."

It was so arranged, then, that Della should leave on one of the evening
up-river boats, and the rest of the day was spent in the hurry and
bustle of preparation.

Though Minny had felt really unhappy at the idea of being left alone
with Bernard, toward whom she stood in such a peculiar relation, she
studiously concealed her feelings from Della, not wishing to mar the
bright anticipations in which she was indulging; and, smothering her own
forebodings, hoped for the best.

The parting hour arrived, and with many charges, and tears, and
warnings, Della clung to her husband and her baby, regretting, even at
the last moment, that she had made up her mind to part with them.

"Dear Bernard, I leave Mi