and had put out of my mind all thought of my financial loss.

Life was moving on in the same delightful channel. Love was our
bark, and we sailed smoothly, as on a summer sea.

My business during the early months of the year was good, but in
April signs were not wanting of a general falling off in the commerce
of the entire country.

My trade began to feel the effect of the approaching "hard times."
This did not disturb me at first, for I did not think it would last
long, and in any event thought I could safely count on at least as
good a business as in the year previous.

At this period it became evident to me that my father was breaking
down, and that while he might accomplish a little toward the support
of his family, it was not to be depended on, and the burden must
rest on me.

It came at a bad time, but I accepted it as a duty which it was my
pleasure to perform so far as I was able.

Under these conditions we decided to give up our apartment and take
up our residence with my parents. They, as also my sisters, were
very fond of my wife and she of them, while I was always, from
infancy, accused of being the pet of the family.

As the summer months progressed I realized that beyond a doubt
the hard times were upon us. My customers were buying nothing and
complaining there was not enough business doing to use up the stock