“Will their happiness be increased?” said Mrs. Draper.
“Certainly, inasmuch as wealth procures the means of happiness.”
“Have you found it so?” again asked Frances.
“Not precisely. I am still toiling; my season for rest and enjoyment has not arrived.”
“And yet,” said Frances, “Howard is rich enough for enjoyment. You have already a great estate; let me ask, what advantage you derive from it beyond your daily meals? You take care of this immense property; you are continually increasing it, and all the compensation you get is a bare living. Would any of the clerks you employ in your counting-room labor for such low wages?”
“My dear Frances,” said Mr. Draper, affectionately, “I am always contented to admire your ingenuity without combating your arguments. Perhaps it might be better, if you had cultivated a little more of the rationale of life.”
“Well,” replied she, languidly smiling, “I am going to prove to you, that I have profited
by your example, and am becoming a business wife. You call this farm mine, and tell me you bought it for me?”
“Certainly; all I have is yours.”
“I claim no title to any thing but this; but this I consider your gift, and as such accept it.”