"Instead of referring to 'the world,' in an abstract sense—judge we of the influence of trials, by what we know of ourselves. I never tasted real happiness, until I learned to bear grief, by submitting to the will of Providence."
"And one affliction has embittered life for me!" returned Ida, gloomily.
"Poor child!" then recollecting himself, he addressed Carry in a jesting tone. "And you—Miss Carry—what is your vote upon this important question?"
"I have had no trouble, sir," replied she, lightly, "except school-quarrels. You would not class them in the category of tribulations."
There was sadness in her father's look of love, as he answered, "I hope you may long be able to say so, dear!"
Carry brushed away the mist from her lashes. "'A consummation devoutly to be desired,'—as Charley, or Shakspeare would say. Where is he, father?"
"Who? Shakspeare or Charley?"
"The latter, of course. Apart from his probable location being more easily decided upon,—he is, to me, the more interesting of the two."
"He is somewhere in the Western part of the State;—travelling, partly for pleasure. John told you, that they have committed the New York branch of the business to Mr. E——, and that Charley will in future reside in Richmond."