"It is not the right way to be running up a bill of expense with a girl who does not, in reality, earn more than her board, which is to be taken into consideration, you know. We have kept either Sarah or Chester at a high-school now for two years; in a little while, James will be going—then Lizzie—then—nobody knows how many more."
"The more the better!"
Mrs. Royden answered her husband's good-natured sally with a sigh.
"You would bring us to the poor-house, some day, if you did not have me to manage, I do believe," she said.
"Somehow," replied Mr. Royden, "we have always been able to meet all our expenses, and more too, although you have never ceased to prophesy the poor-house; and I see nothing rotten in the future. Come, now, I am sure our old and experienced friend, here, will counsel us to rely a little more than we have done upon an overruling Providence."
"We must help ourselves, or Providence will not help us," retorted Mrs. Royden.
"There is a middle course," remarked Father Brighthopes, mildly.
"Define it," said Mr. Royden.
"Have a reasonable care for the things of this world; but there is such a thing as a morbid fear of adversity. I am convinced that we please God best when we take life easily; when we are thankful for blessings, and do not offend the Giver by distrusting his power or will to continue his good gifts."
"There, wife! what do you think of that?"