Charles. Fail! and what is failing, mother? I hear people talk about failing, and say “such a man has failed,” and I know it is something bad; but what is it?
Mother. It is when a man owes more money than he can pay, and gives up all his property to be divided among his creditors.
Charles. And is that what has happened to father? And will he give up everything he has in the world? That is very bad.
Mother. Certainly. He would not have any man lose a cent of money on his account. Would you wish that he should wrong those who trusted him?
Charles. Oh no! I should rather study from morning till night, if that would do any good.
Mother. You perceive, Charles, that it will be necessary for you to get your mind into right habits of attention; for you will have to support yourself, at least. It is even possible that your parents, in their old age, may require some assistance from you. Your father can hardly hope to acquire even a moderate fortune again, before he will be an old man.
Charles. Oh, mother! it almost makes my head ache to think of all this, for I don’t seem to understand yet that it is really so, though I try with all my might to—to—
Mother. Realize it?
Charles. Yes, that is the word I was after. And what did you do, when father told you about it, mother? Did you not cry?
Mother. I did, when I was alone, Charles; for I have lived in this house ever since I was married, and I love it; and I love the furniture, which my parents gave me;—but it must all be sold.