CHAPTER I.
“Welcome,” said Mr. Draper, the rich merchant, to his brother, who entered his counting-room one fine spring morning. “I am truly glad to see you—but what has brought you to the city, at this busy country season, when ploughing and planting are its life and sinews?”
“A motive,” said Howard, smiling, “that I am sure will need no apology with you—business! I have acquired a few hundreds, which I wish to invest safely, and I want your advice.”
“When you say safely, I presume you mean to include profitably.”
“I am just fitting out a ship for Canton; what do you think of investing the sum in articles of foreign merchandise?”
“I confess,” said Howard, “I have great distrust of winds and waves.”
“Suppose you invest it in Eastern lands? many have made fortunes in this way.”
“I am not seeking to make a fortune,” said Howard, quietly;—“my object is to secure something for my family in case of accident, and I only want to invest what I do not require for present use in a manner that will bring compound interest. I hope not to be obliged to take up the interest for many years, but to be adding it to the principal, with such sums as I may be able to spare from our daily exertions.”
“I perceive, brother,” replied Mr. Draper, a little scornfully, “you have not increased in worldly wisdom.”