“There are many other stores in the city than the two to which I applied. I feel certain that I can sell them somewhere. At least, I am determined to try, if I visit every jeweler’s store in the city. Father must have aid in this, his last extremity. We have the means in our hands of affording the aid he needs, and the means must be rendered available.”
Eunice spoke with enthusiasm and confidence while her cheeks glowed and her eyes sparkled.
Neither Eveline nor her mother said a word to check the newly-awakened hope that warmed her bosom, but rather replied in words of encouragement, although they felt little themselves.
Acting from this new impulse, which the distressed state of her father’s mind had awakened, Eunice dressed herself and went out on the errand proposed, about an hour after he had returned to his store.
“I hope it may do some good,” said the mother, despondingly; “but I expect no such result, although I would not have said so to discourage Eunice for the world. Poor girl! She is doing all she can, and sacrificing much. It is sad to think it will all be in vain.”
“It may not be, mother,” returned Eveline. “There is no telling what her perseverance may accomplish. Is it not said, that where there is a will there is a way?”
“It is; but all sayings are not true.”
“No; not to the full extent. But a saying like this means a great deal. The will inspires to effort, and effort does not always go unrewarded.”
“I fear it will in this case; there is so little in favor of a hoped-for result.”
“It seems to me there is much, mother,” replied Eveline, appearing to gain confidence, while her mother desponded. “It is not possible that such earnest self-devotion as Eunice manifests can go unrewarded. Heaven must smile upon it.”