behindhand in our payments; for you know how surely I counted upon
this. It ought to have been mine; it was mine by full right of justice,
though it now seems that the law was against me. It is a great
affliction; but it is one of those which may be borne with an open
brow."

"What do you mean, papa?"

"Afflictions are of two kinds. The one we bring upon ourselves, through
our own misconduct; the other is laid upon us by God for our own
advantage. Yes, my boys, we receive many blessings in disguise. Trouble
of this sort will only serve to draw out your manly energies, to make
you engage vigorously in the business of life, to strengthen your
self-dependence and your trust in God. This calamity of the lost
lawsuit we must all meet bravely. One mercy, at any rate, the news
has brought with it."

"What is that?" asked Mrs. Channing, lifting her sad face.

"When I have glanced to the possibility of the decision being against
me, I have wondered _how_ I should pay its long and heavy costs;
whether our home must not be broken up to do it, and ourselves turned
out upon the world. But the costs are not to fall upon me; all are to
be paid out of the estate."

"That's good news!" ejaculated Hamish, his face radiant, as he nodded
around.

"My darling boys," resumed Mr. Channing, "you must all work and do your
best. I had thought this money would have made things easier for you;