"Why, yes," said he; "it is partly true, I must confess. Some time ago
Frank laid his projects before me, and they appeared so promising and
certain of success, that I ventured to give him possession of a large
sum."

"And what scheme, sir, was it, if I may venture to ask?"

"Why, child, these are subjects so much out of thy way, that thou
wouldst hardly comprehend any explanation that I could give."

"Perhaps so; but what success, dear sir, have you met with?"

"Why, I can't but say that affairs have not been quite as expeditious
in their progress as I had reason, at first, to expect. Unlooked-for
delays and impediments will occur in the prosecution of the best schemes;
and these, I must own, have been well enough accounted for."

"But, dear sir, the scheme, I doubt not, was very beneficial that
induced you to hazard your whole fortune. I thought you had absolutely
withdrawn yourself from all the hazards and solicitudes of business."

"Why, indeed, I had so, and should never have engaged again in them of
my own accord. Indeed, I trouble not myself with any details at present. I
am just as much at my ease as I used to be. I leave every thing to
Frank."

"But, sir, the hazard, the uncertainty, of all projects! Would you
expose yourself at this time of life to the possibility of being reduced
to distress? And had you not enough already?"