"
"But, mother, this was no fault of mine."
"True; but he has regarded it as a crime. You have robbed him of my
love, and he in revenge has robbed you of your fortune. Had I been a
kinder mother to him, he might have prized the gold less, and my
affection more. My conscience reproaches me as the author of your
present sufferings. Do not make my self-upbraidings more acute, by
refusing the assistance which your brother offers you."
"Esau sold his birthright for a mess of pottage, mother. I will not sell
my honor for a sum of money, however acceptable that sum might be. It
would never prosper with me, if it came from him."
"Well, Algernon, if you will not be persuaded, you must have it your own
way. Your father, though he received from me a noble fortune, has left
me dependent upon your brother. I cannot, if I would, aid you with
money; but this case of jewels is valuable; I am old, I have no further
occasion for such baubles; I have no daughters to wear them after me.
Take them, you can raise upon them several thousand pounds--and may the
proceeds arising from their sale be blessed to your use."
"Dearest mother, I accept your generous present;" and Algernon's
countenance brightened as hope once more dawned in his breast. "If I
should be fortunate, I will return to you in hard gold the value of
these gems.
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