By such means the house was kept cool and wholesome; and its inmates, becoming habituated to the gloom, in a great degree recovered their cheerfulness.
The daily routine of the establishment was as follows.

The grocer arose at dawn, and proceeded to call up the whole of his family.

They then assembled in a large room on the second story, where he offered up thanks that they had been spared during the night, and prayed for their preservation during the day.

He next assigned a task to each, and took care to see it afterwards duly fulfilled; well knowing that constant employment was the best way to check repining and promote contentment.
Heretofore the servants had always taken their meals in the kitchen, but now they always sat down to table with him.

"I will make no distinction at this season," he said; "all shall fare as I fare, and enjoy the same comforts as myself.