sparks of fire, but it has never at any time been my nature to sparkle. Steel
can do so, but not silver. I was wrapped up in fine, white paper, that I might
not mix with the other coins and be lost; and on special occasions, when
people from my own country happened to be present, I was brought forward
and spoken of very kindly. They said I was very interesting, and it was
really quite worth while to notice that those who are interesting have often
not a single word to say for themselves.
“At length I reached home. All my cares were at an end. Joy again
overwhelmed me; for was I not good silver, and had I not a genuine stamp?
I had no more insults or disappointments to endure; although, indeed, there
was a hole through me, as if I were false; but suspicions are nothing when a
man is really true, and every one should persevere in acting honestly, for an
will be made right in time. That is my firm belief,” said the shilling.
