A Hell and Heaven to Even Up; A Story Founded on Facts

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 Excerpt: ...on one occasion as Paul came in after deep twilight had gathered, she, knowing that he had been out to secret prayer, said: "Well, Paul, have you a little god erected out there in the grove that you go to worship so often?" Paul raised his eyes quickly to hers, then passed on too hurt to reply. Edna felt the wound she had given was cruel and undeserved, and shuddered at what might be a great sin in herself. From that time she resolved never again to reproach him in the same way. Spring--the seed-sowing time had again come and Paul was busying himself with all needful work, but with less hope of reward and less pleasure in the occupation than formerly. He was now nearly convinced that prosperity was an ignis fatuus, and that with him it was a waste of time, muscle, and brain to be grasping after it. He had made several trades during the winter in which he had been the looser, and he realized that he was becoming poorer, while the demands for money were increasing. So thoroughly did this take hold on his mind that his heart became rebellious and he felt inclined to give his entire time to the fierce financial struggle which seemed to be doubling each year. And now let us become Paul in humility, lack of conceit and money before we censure him too severely, for we have no right to place him jn the scale to weigh against the man of courage and wealth who has never known the humiliating pangs of timidity and who possesses money which, in this day, gives power and opportunity. In fact, money seems to be the motor power that pushes forward every cause, noble or ignoble. So true is this that moral worth seems at a discount, and were thislife all, the pure and intellectual would fall short of a reward. For three years more Paul wavered between duty and fea...