se of the funds."

"It might be just so much in favor of the heir," remarked Mrs.
Wallingford, "if two-thirds of the property had disappeared by the time
he reached his majority; for, from all that I have heard of him, he is
not likely to become a man fitted to use large wealth either to his own
or any body else's advantage. He was low born and low bred, in the
worst sense of the words; and I fear that no education will change his
original quality, or greatly modify his early bias. So while the wasting
of his substance is a great wrong in the abstract, it may be a real
blessing to him. Events in this life work out strangely to our human
eyes, yet there is a Providence in them that ever educes good from
evil."

"If we could always believe that," said I, "how tranquilly might we pass
through life! How clearly would our eyes see through the darkest clouds,
and rest upon the silver lining!"

"Is it not so? Does not God's providence follow us in the smallest
things of our lives? Do we take a step that falls outside of his
cognizance? We have only to look back, to be assured of this. We may
walk on tranquilly, Doctor, for, as sure as we live, no evil can
befall us that does not have its origin within our own spirits. All the
machinations of our most bitter enemies will come to naught, if we keep
our hearts free from guile. They may rob us of our earthly possessions;
but even this God will turn to our greater gain."

Mrs. Wallingford spoke with a charming enthusiasm.

"With such a confidence," said my wife, "one is richer than if he had
the wealth of an Astor."

"And with this great advantage," replied Mrs. Wallingford, "that he may
enjoy the whole of his possessions. Moth and rust never corrupt them;
and no man can take them away."

"I have a new book from which I want to read you a sentiment," said
Constance, rising, and moving towards the secretary and book-case, which
stood in the room.

Mrs. Wallingford rose and went with her.

"It is so beautifully accordant with many things I have heard you say,"
added my wife, as she took down the volume, and commenced turning over
its pages.

After reading a few sentences, and commenting upon them, some remark
directed the attention of Mrs. Wallingford to the antiquated secretary,
which was the one I had purchased when the furniture of the Allen house
was sold.

"I have reason to remember this old secretary," she said. "It was here
that the will was found which cut off