As it is, we haven't sixteen thousand cents, and no likelihood of ever getting a farthing ahead.

It is right down discouraging." The semi-cheerful tone in which Mr.Bancroft had commenced speaking, died away in the last brief sentence.
"Two or three children are enough for any body to have," he resumed, half fretfully; "and quite as many as can be well taken care of.
With two or even three, we might be as happy and comfortable as we could desire.

But with seven, and half as many more in prospect, O dear! It is enough to dishearten any one." Mrs.Bancroft did not reply, but drew her arm tighter around the babe that lay asleep upon her breast.

Her mind wandered over the seven jewels that were to her so precious, and she asked herself which of them she could part with; or if there was an earthly good more to be desired than the love of these dear children.
Mr.Bancroft had very little more to say that evening, but his state of mind did not improve.

He was dissatisfied because his income, ten years before, when his expenses were less, was not as good as it was now, and looked ahead with, a troubled feeling at the prospect of a still increasing family, and still increasing expenses, to meet which he could see no possible way.