Charles. Ah, mother, you know he will not neglect us!
Mother. Stranger things have happened; but, however, I do not think it at all likely that you will lose your fortune in that way. But why should you so entirely forget the passage of scripture—“Riches take to themselves wings?” Ought you not to be prepared with some way of supporting yourself, supposing that text should be verified in your case?
Charles. But, somehow or other, I don’t believe it will be.
Mother. That is a blind, boyish belief to rest upon. How do you know that your father is now rich?
Charles. Why, all the boys in school say he is one of the richest men in the city. And then, mother, have we not always lived like rich people?
Mother. That may be a sign that we always have been rich, but not that we shall be—not that we are, Charles!
Charles. I don’t understand you, mother.
Mother. I must make you comprehend me, my dear boy. Your father told me I must talk with you to-day, and I intended to wait till you returned, at night; but this is a better opportunity. Have you not seen that your father has been more taken up with his business than usual, for some weeks past? Have you not observed that he was very thoughtful?
Charles. Yes, mother; at least, I did after Ellen mentioned it to me, for she observes more than I do. What is the matter?
Mother. Your father will fail to-morrow, Charles.