`` How soundly he sleeps ! '' whispered the old gentleman . `` From what a depth he draws that easy breath ! Such sleep as that , brought on without an opiate , would be worth more to me than half my income , for it would suppose health and an untroubled mind . '' `` And youth besides , '' said the lady . `` Healthy and quiet age does not sleep thus . Our slumber is no more like his than our wakefulness . '' The longer they looked , the more did this elderly couple feel interested in the unknown youth to whom the wayside and the maple shade were as a secret chamber with the rich gloom of damask curtains brooding over him . Perceiving that a stray sunbeam glimmered down upon his face , the lady contrived to twist a branch aside so as to intercept it , and , having done this little act of kindness , she began to feel like a mother to him . `` Providence seems to have laid him here , '' whispered she to her husband , `` and to have brought us hither to find him , after our disappointment in our cousin 's son . Methinks I can see a likeness to our departed Henry . Shall we waken him ? '' `` To what purpose ? '' said the merchant , hesitating . `` We know nothing of the youth 's character . '' `` That open countenance ! '' replied his wife , in the same hushed voice , yet earnestly . `` This innocent sleep ! '' While these whispers were passing , the sleeper 's heart did not throb , nor his breath become agitated , nor his features betray the least token of interest . Yet Fortune was bending over him , just ready to let fall a burden of gold .
The old merchant had lost his only son , and had no heir to his wealth except a distant relative XXXXX whose conduct he was dissatisfied .
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