each other for years, and knew each other's way. My health was then very bad, and affairs at Claver House were not as flourishing as they had been. I do not know how others make a fortune; I never could."
"You were too kind and too liberal," cried Isabella.
"Do not run away with the idea," replied Mrs. Palmer, "that kindness and liberality are incompatible with economy and business; but I had too many claims upon me, and my health failed. I have always thought it a special instance of God's good providence that my health and worldly prosperity were at their best during poor Black's life; and when my spirits began to grow weak, and my affairs embarrassed, then came Mr. Palmer. I have now been married to him twenty years, and I have been a very fortunate woman."
"And I hope you will be so for twenty years to come," said Georgiana; "I do not know what we should do without you," while Helen put her hand in affectionate silence into that of their kind friend.
"I am sure," replied Mrs. Palmer, "if it were not wicked, I should be glad that you had the scarlet fever; I am so much happier since I knew you. Mr. Palmer's daughters all married during the first few years; and when he has been all day in the city, I have felt very lonely; but, seeing you all come in, brings back so much to my memory. Many and many are the young faces that yours recall; and you, all of you, love me as I used to be loved."
