of Mr. Lloyd."

"Yes--what of him?"

"I learned this morning that his widow arrived in our city
yesterday, and that she needs friendly aid and counsel. It seems to
me that those who knew and esteemed her husband ought not to regard
her with indifference. I propose to call upon her and inquire as to
her needs and purposes, and I want you to accompany me."

"Can't do it," answered Mr. Jones, very promptly.

"Why not?"

"It won't pay," returned Mr. Jones.

"I don't expect it to pay in a business sense," said Mr. Smith;
"but, surely, humanity has some claim to consideration."

"Humanity! humph. Humanity don't pay, Mr. Smith; that's my
experience. I've helped two or three in my time, and what return do
you suppose I received?"

"The pleasing consciousness of having done good to your neighbour."

"Not a bit of it. I lost my money for my pains, and made enemies
into the bargain. When I demanded my own, I received only
insult--that's my experience, Mr. Smith, and the experience of
ninety-nine in a hundred who listen to the so-called claims of
humanity. As I said before--it doesn't pay."

"Then you will not go with me to see Mrs. Lloyd?"

"No, sir. You don't catch me hunting up the widows of broken
merchants. Let them go to their own friends. I'd soon have plenty of
rather unprofitable business on my hands, if I were to engage in
affairs of this kind."

"I hardly think it will pay to talk with you on this subject any
longer," said Mr. Smith.

"I'm just of your opinion," was the laughing answer, "unless I can
induce you to let Mrs. Lloyd remain in ignorance of your benevolent
intentions, and mind your own concerns, like a sensible man."

"Good morning," said Mr. Smith.

"Good morning," replied Jones; "in a week or two I shall expect to
hear your report on this widow-hunting expedition."

"It will pay, I reckon," said Mr. Smith, as he passed from the
store.

"Pay," muttered Jones, a sneer now curling his lip, "_he'll_ have to
pay, and roundly, too, unless more fortunate than he deserves to
be."

A little while after the departure of Mr. Smith, a sallow,
sharp-featured man, with a restless eye, entered the store of Mr.
Jones.

"Ah, Perkins!" said the latter, familiarly, "any thing afloat
to-day?"

"Well, yes, there is; I know of one operation that is worth looking
at."

"Will it pay, friend Perkins? That's the touchstone with me. Show me
any thing that will pay, and I'm your man for a trade."

"I ca