risking all his capital. His fatal stock operation, together with the
government confiscation, had involved them also in ruin; and they had
enough to do to look after themselves. They were far more eager to
secure something out of the general wreck than to see that anything
remained for the family. The Allens were left very much to themselves
in their struggle with disaster, securing help and advice chiefly as
they paid for it.

Mr. Allen was accustomed to say that women were incapable of business,
and yet here are the ladies of his own household compelled to grapple
with the most perplexing forms of business or suffer aggravated
losses. Though all of his family were of mature years, and thousands
had been spent on their education, they were as helpless as four
children in dealing with the practical questions that daily came to
them for decision. At first all matters were naturally referred to the
widow, but she would only wring her hands and say:

"I don't know anything about these horrid things. Can't I be left
alone with my sorrow in peace a few days? Go to Edith."

And to Edith at last all came till the poor girl was almost
distracted. It was of no use to go to Laura for advice, for she would
only say in dreary apathy:

"Just as you think best. Anything you say."

She was indulging in unrestrained wretchedness to the utmost.
Luxurious despair is so much easier than painful perplexing action.

Zell was still "the child" and entirely occupied with Mr. Van Dam. So