He tried to think of the future he had insured; he pondered over all the advantages to accrue from his factory; he looked forward to the time when his son would dwell here, rich, secure, free from the cares that had involved his father with vulgar traders, and prematurely blanched his hair.

He thought of all this, but his favorite thoughts had become indifferent to him.

He entered the house, felt for his full pocket-book before he gave his hand to his wife, and nodded significantly to Lenore.

He spoke cheerfully to the ladies, and even contrived to joke about his busy day; but he felt that something had come between him and his dearest ones--even they seemed estranged.

If they leaned over him or took his hand, his impulse was to withdraw from the caress.