arrangements, the utmost frugality had to be observed. He was a man
of strict probity, with some ambition to get ahead in the world.
These made him careful and economical in his expenditures, both at
home and in the management of his business. As a man, he was social
in his feelings, but inclined to be domestic. While unmarried, he
had lived rather a gay life, and formed a pretty large acquaintance
among young men. His associations led him into the pretty free use
of intoxicating drinks; but the thought of becoming a slave of a
vicious appetite never once crossed his mind with its warning
shadow.

The first trial of Henry Ellis's married life was the imperative
necessity that required him to lay a restraining hand upon his
wife's disposition to spend money more freely than was justified by
their circumstances. He had indulged her for the period of a whole
year, and the result was so heavy a balance against his expense
account, that he became anxious and troubled. There must be a
change, or his business would be crippled, and ultimate ruin follow.
As gently as he could, Ellis brought the attention of his wife to
this matter. But, she could not comprehend, to its full extent, the
point he urged. It then became necessary for Ellis to hold the
purse-strings more tightly than he had formerly done. This fretted
the mind of his wife, and often led her, in the warmth of the moment
of disappointment, to utter unkind expressions. These hurt Ellis;
and, sometimes, made him angry. The cloud upon Cara's brow,
consequent upon these occasional misunderstandings, was generally so
unpleasant to Ellis, whose heart was ever wooing the sunshine, let
the rays come through almost any medium, that he would spend his
evenings abroad. Temptation, as a natural consequence, was in his
way. His convivial character made him seek the company of those who