"We are better off than when I was at work in the factory."
"Yes, Ben; we can get along very comfortably."
"I have been thinking, aunt, that while business continues dull I will go to school. This money I will put in a savings-bank, and we shall have it to fall back upon if we need it."
This plan met with Mrs. Bradford's approval, and was carried out by Ben. When he returned from the savings-bank, with his book in his hand, he felt like a capitalist. In fact, he was so cheerful that his aunt caught the infection, and looked brighter than she had for years.
"It is pleasant to have money in the bank," she said to old Mrs. Perkins.
"Like as not the bank will break," said the old lady.
"I see an account last week of a savin's-bank that failed. I wouldn't trust any of 'em."
"Mrs. Perkins," said Ben, with mock gravity, "I heard last week of a man who died in his bed. I'd never go to bed if I were you."
"It aint' well to joke," said the old lady. "Always be prepared for the worst."
"That isn't my motto," said Ben. "As long as I live I mean to 'Wait and Hope'!"