have dragged on a mischievous, or, at best, a worthless existence, held up his head in after life among his fellows, a prosperous, useful, and respected citizen.
Truly did Susan Aikin say, "God gives the opportunity;" and well did she improve it."
CHAPTER X.
THE RICH POOR MAN'S CHARITIES.
Years to the thirteenth of their marriage glided on without any marked change in the condition of the Aikins. Industry, frugality, skill, and sound judgment, saved them from dependance and wants. But they had a large family to supply; two unproductive members, as we were about to designate Uncle Phil and Charlotte, but this would be injustice to them. Charlotte's thoughtfulness, and her doing the light chores, saved Susan many an hour, which she turned to account at her trade; and Uncle Phil's skill in baby-tending proved also a great economy of the mother's time. There are certain persons in this world that are most happily adapted to the miscellaneous office of baby-tending. They are your people that don't care about bringing any thing to pass—indisposed to great exertions certainly, but not positively lazy; easy-tempered and kind-hearted, such as prefer the one-horse chaise travelling to the locomotion of a railroad—such was our
