People of moderate
fortunes have likewise an unquestioned right to dispose of their
hundreds as they please; but I would ask, Is it _wise_ to risk your
happiness in a foolish attempt to keep up with the opulent? Of what
_use_ is the effort which takes so much of your time, and _all_ of
your income? Nay, if any unexpected change in affairs should deprive
you of a few yearly hundreds, you will find your expenses have
_exceeded_ your income; thus the foundation of an accumulating debt
will be laid, and your family will have formed habits but poorly
calculated to save you from the threatened ruin. Not one valuable
friend will be gained by living beyond your means, and old age will be
left to comparative, if not to utter poverty.
There is nothing in which the extravagance of the present day strikes
me so forcibly as the manner in which our young people of moderate
fortune furnish their houses.
A few weeks since, I called upon a farmer's daughter, who had lately
married a young physician of moderate talents, and destitute of
fortune. Her father had given her, at her marriage, all he ever
expected to give her: viz.
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