as you say, are growing up, and I see no prospect of giving them a
fair start in life. Abroad it is altogether different: we can buy
land and stock it for next to nothing. We should live roughly,
certainly; but at least there is no fear for the future, and we
should start our boys in life with a fair certainty of success.
Still, Clara, I do not of course mean that I have made up my mind
upon the subject. It is far too serious a matter to decide upon
hastily. I only threw out the suggestion; and if you, after
thinking it over, are against it, there is an end of the matter."

Mrs. Hardy was silent for a little, and a tear sparkled on her
cheek in the firelight; then she said, "I am not surprised, Frank,
at what you have said. In fact I have expected it for some time. I
have observed you looking over books upon foreign countries, and
have seen that you often sat thoughtful and quiet. I guessed,
therefore, what you had in your mind. Of course, dear, as a woman,
I shrink from the thought of leaving all our friends and going to
quite a strange country, but I don't think that I am afraid of the
hardships or discomfort. Thousands of other women have gone through
them, and there is no reason why I should not do the same. I do
think with you that it would be a good thing for the boys, perhaps
for the girls too; and that, when we have got over the first
hardships, we too should be happier and more free from care than we
are now. So you see, Frank, you will meet with no opposition from
me; and if, after deliberation, you really determine that it is the
best thing to do, I shall be ready to agree with you. But it is a
hard thought just at first, so please do not say any more about it
to-night."

Mr. Hardy was an architect, as his father had been before him. He