Oswald.—There are too many similar instances. Some of the most distinguished artists of the present age have been obliged, in early life, to struggle with indigence, and, indeed, with absolute poverty, much as Edwin Lovel is now doing.
The next morning, Amelia said to her brother as soon as she found him alone, "Oswald, I wish to ask you one question. When we receive a present, does it not become our own?"
Oswald.—Certainly.
Amelia.—And we are at liberty to do exactly what we please with it?
Oswald.—Precisely—only I think we had better not destroy it.
Amelia.—Of course, not—but we may give it away?
Oswald.—Why—I do not know—I should not like to give away a present received from a valued friend.
Amelia.—But if, in giving it away, you make the person on whom you bestow it more happy than you yourself could possibly be made by keeping it?
Oswald.—If you were sure that that would be the case——
Amelia.—Oh! I am very sure—I can answer for myself. Therefore, dear brother, I beg your acceptance of my Souvenir.