It was the front room of the house, on the ground floor, which Aaron Cohen had converted into a shop. The small parlour windows had been replaced by larger ones, a counter had been put up, behind which were shelves fitted into the walls. These shelves at present were bare, but Aaron Cohen hoped to see them filled. Under the counter were other shelves, as empty as those on the walls. When Rachel entered her husband was engaged counting out his money, like the king in his counting house. There was a studious expression on his face, which was instantly replaced by one of deep tenderness as he looked up and saw traces of tears in her eyes. He gathered his money together, banknotes, silver, gold, and coppers, and motioned her into the room at the rear of the shop. This was their living-room; but a large iron safe in a corner denoted that it was not to be devoted entirely to domestic affairs. In another corner was the symbol of his business, which was to be affixed to the front of the premises, over the shop door, the familiar device of three golden balls. Letting his money fall upon the table, he drew his wife to his side, and passed his arm around her. "The house," he said, "is almost in order." "Yes, Aaron; there is very little left to do." "I am also ready for business. I have the license, and to-morrow those glittering balls will be put up and the name painted over the shop window. They are rather large for so small a shop, but they will attract all the more attention." He gazed at her anxiously. "Do you think you will be contented and happy here?" "Contented and happy anywhere with you," she replied, in a tone of the deepest affection. "In this town especially, Rachel?" "Yes, in this town especially. It is so peaceful." "But," he said, touching her eyes with his fingers "these?" "Not because I am unhappy," she said; and her voice was low and sweet. "I was looking out upon the churchyard from our bedroom window." "Ah!" he said, and he kissed her eyes. He divined the cause of her tears, and there was much tenderness in his utterance of the monosyllable and in the kisses he gave her. Man and wife for five years, they were still the fondest of lovers.