Australian Tales - Setis

“My career in this country has not been an unruffled one, far from it, I
have had my trials, sir, but I believe I have not had more than was
essential to keep me humble; for uninterrupted prosperity is very
dangerous, and is apt to engender pride and self-importance. But
whatever troubles I had in my business affairs, I had always peace and
comfort at home; and with the exception of one blighting source of
anxiety, which I alluded to last night, my home circle was always a
happy one. When reverses overtook me, it was then that I most felt the
sympathy and cheering counsel of my dear wife; and I found that the
stormy blasts of adversity only made her cling closer to my side.
Twenty-three years ago I was all but ruined, in common with many other
wealthy colonists. I had extensive landed possessions certainly, and
sheep and cattle too, but, commercially speaking, they were almost
valueless, for a monetary panic over-spread the country, and there was
scarcely a possibility of selling property, either real or personal, except at
mere nominal prices. I must tell you that I had retired from my office
some years before, an independent man; in fact, I supposed myself to be
wealthy, and had lived in a style proportionate to my means.
“I recollect going home one evening very much cast down with the
pressure of my pecuniary embarrassments, and I said to my wife,
‘Nanny, my love, I have tried as long as I could to save you from the
anxiety of knowing our involved circumstances, but I can't longer
conceal from you the fact, that we are on the verge of ruin.’ How do you
think she bore the news, sir. Did she cry, do you suppose, as some
women would have done, and reproach me with want of judgment, or the
like? or did she shudder at the approach of poverty and say, that she
could not do without this or that luxury or comfort? Nothing of the sort,
sir. She clasped her hands round my neck, and with her usual cheering
smile, said, ‘Davy, dear, I am sorry you did not tell me this before, that I
might have shared your burden of anxiety. But cheer up, love! we both
know how to work, and we are not too proud to do anything that is
honourable. We have a good reputation left to us, and good health too
— let us be thankful for these blessings. Above all, “we know that all
things work together for good, to them that love God.” And that is a
consolation which we may claim, for we both love God, and have
hitherto trusted in Him. “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid.” Listen to some of my plans, dear. We can take a small house, and
manage with only one servant, or without a servant at all if needs be; and
it will surprise you how little money I shall require to keep house with,
for I know how to bake, and to make candles, and butter, and a score of
other things which will save outlay of money. Then we can do without
new clothes for a year or more, and who knows what may take place in
that time? Cheer up, Davy, dear! “The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness
thereof,” I am sure he will not let us want.’