insufficient. Suppose some new demand should be made upon you."

"I cannot suppose that, after so many solemn and positive
assurances."

"But were not assurances as positive and solemn on every former
occasion as the last?"

"Why, yes, I must own they were; but new circumstances arose that could
not be foreseen?"

"And, dear sir, may not new circumstances arise hereafter that could
not be foreseen?"

"Nay, nay," (with some impatience;) "I tell you there cannot be
any."

I said no more on this subject at this time; but my father,
notwithstanding the confidence he expressed, was far from being at
ease.

One day I found him in great perturbation. I met my brother, who was
going out as I entered, and suspected the cause of his disquiet. He spoke
less than usual, and sighed deeply. I endeavoured, by various means, to
prevail on him to communicate his thoughts, and at last succeeded. My
brother, it seems, had made a new demand upon his purse, and he had been
brought reluctantly to consent to raise the necessary sum by a mortgage on
his house, the only real property he possessed. My brother had gone to
procure a lender and prepare the deeds.