A Daughter of Israel by Fred M. White — Read

As the quiet years had stolen on there had come but little change in the house where the Abrahams had their abiding place. Time passed, bringing all its petty cares and anxieties--to Abishai the money his soul coveted, for he had grown rich beyond his wildest dreams. The great strike had been followed by a spell of prosperity and, naturally, speculation. The hunchback had the genius of money-making. Waste lands, at one time scarcely worth the few mountain sheep which grazed the scant herbage, was now transformed into stately wharves and prosperous streets. Little by little Abishai had invested in land, till at twenty-five he found himself master of a fortune. It had been a golden time. Men had been only too eager to borrow money, reckless of the percentage they paid. Abishai laid himself out as a private banker. Pressure followed in due course. Over-production and over-trading is a tale which needs no telling. Abishai Abraham became rich.

Hazael had found his way into Armstrong's bank, and, content with his lot, had secretly married heedless of the future. Speedwell, who still lived in his old quarters, hinted at promotion, and made much of the younger son, for between him and Miriam there existed a strong attachment, and Philip Speedwell loved the girl with his whole heart and soul.