it."

"Children, I wish to say a word to you upon this subject," said Mrs.
Channing. "When the news arrived, I was, you know, almost overwhelmed
by it; not seeing, as Tom says, what we were to do without the money.
In the full shock of the disappointment, it wore for me its worst
aspect; a far more sombre one than the case really merited. But, now
that I have had time to see it in its true light, my disappointment has
subsided. I consider that we took a completely wrong view of it. Had
the decision deprived us of the income we enjoy, then indeed it would
have been grievous; but in reality it deprives us of nothing. Not one
single privilege that we possessed before, does it take from us; not a
single outlay will it cost us. We looked to this money to do many
things with; but its not coming renders us no worse off than we were.
Expecting it has caused us to get behindhand with our bills, which we
must gradually pay off in the best way we can; it takes from us the
power to article Arthur, and it straitens us in many ways, for, as you
grow up, you grow more expensive. This is the extent of the ill,
except--"

"Oh, mamma, you forget! The worst ill of all is, that papa cannot now
go to Germany."

"I was about to say that, Arthur. But other means for his going thither
may be found. Understand me, my dears: I do not see any means, or
chance of means, at present: you must not fancy that; but it is
possible that they may arise with the time of need. One service, at any
rate, the decision has rendered me."

"Service?" echoed Tom.