28. The boy, however, that kept following them, observed the mistake, picked it up, and ran to give it him. Here, good old man, said he, you dropped your handkerchief: 'twas on the ground.

29. Thank you, thank you heartily, my little friend, answered the old man. God's providence be praised for all things! Here's an honest little gentleman, that does not ridicule old age, and laugh at the infirmities that attend it. Oh no, no, you do not look with scorn upon a poor old man. I see it in your eyes. You are not of the number of those wicked little fellows, whom you must certainly have passed, although you were not with them.

30. Charlotte recollected having seen the little boy among them, and remarked his laughing just as they did, but she would not say a word about it; although she did not in the least approve of the boy's behaviour, yet she did not like to give him pain by telling what she knew.

31. The little culprit, in the mean time, held down his head, and thought of lying more than once, to conceal his fault. But then he thought again, that by so doing he should only add sin to sin so he looked up to the old man, and said, Pardon me, Sir, I was among them, and insulted you with the rest; but am now extremely sorry for it.

32. I find that when I mix with children of my age, or thereabouts, I am much more wicked than when I am alone. Had I been but by my. self, I should never have laughed at those false steps you made; but on the other hand, my first

E

desire would certainly have been to help you. I should now be very happy to assist you if I could, and in that way make amends for my of fence.

33. You have already done so, my good little friend, said he, you have a deal of candor, and good nature, and will certainly become an honest man. I dare believe as much. Come therefore, both of you to my abode. 'Tis just before us; a few steps and we shall then be there.

as I have I will provide for you.

Such

34. At this invitation of the good old man, our little boy was very happy.

Charlotte would

They reached them some milk, a little coarse, it

have been glad to have excused herself, but did not, from fear of grieving him. the habitation. He set before two porringers, a loaf of bread, must be owned, but very good.

35. They all sat down and made a comfortable meal. What pleasure you both give me. said the old man. Yes, truly, I am very happy to have found out two good little friends, that do not scorn the poor and infirm. My sleep to night will be the sweeter for it.

36. After some time, this little boy and girl began to think of returning. Charlotte feared her parents might come home, and be uneasy at her absence; and the little boy was afraid that his mother would scold at him, as he said, if he staid any longer.

37. This mother, you are so afraid of, mus then be very cross, said the old man. Not al ways, said the little boy. She is however

sometimes so, and though she loves me, yet I fear her greatly.

38. And your father?-Oh, I scarce knew him he has been dead these four years.— These four years! interrupted the old man, and fixed his eyes upon the child-Should it be he! I have some recollection of his features.-Should it be the little Francis !—Yes, yes; Francis is my name.

39. The old man stood for some moments motionless, and with an altered voice, his eyes brimful of tears, and with extended arms, cried out to Francis, My dear child! you do not then recollect your grandfather.-Come and embrace me. You have got the very features of my son. My dearest child, you were not thinking of

me.

40. Francis tenderly caressed him, but endeavoured all in vain to speak. The little Charlotte, too, shed tears of joy to see the old man comforted.

41. I see him, I see him, said the old man ; he is in reality the living picture of his father. Yes, he is my son. My son affectionately loved me, and his son will love me too. I shall not be so wretched as I thought for, in old age, nor will the evening of my life be passed without some joy. I shall depart in peace.

42. But I forgot, that by detaining you, I may subject you to your mother's displeasure. I was so much pleased, that I forgot the circumstance.-Depart, then, my dear boy, I do not wish that my joy should cost you tears. Depart, and love your mother; be obedient to her, even

though you should not come to see me.

"Twill be very hard, however, should you quit me now forever. Come and see me, if you can, provided you do not disobey, or tell a story, to obtain permission.

43. Turning then to Charlotte: As for you, dear little maid, said he, I am convinced you ought to leave me, as your parents will be certainly uneasy, should you stay. I owe you all this joy, and shall forever bless you. Come, at times, and see me.-Do not, I beseech you, my dear children, utterly forget me. May you both be happy.

44. At these words, the children went away, affectionately holding one another by the hand; but every now and then they looked behind them, while the old man on his part, kept looking constantly at them, and did not turn to go in doors till they were out of sight.

45. The little Charlotte got home safe. Her parents were not returned yet, but did not stay out long. She told them whither she had been, and what, too, she had seen. It was the subject of their evening's conversation.

46. On the morrow they all went to see the good old man; and in the sequel, frequently repeated their kind visits. Francis, likewise, came often to see his grandfather, who was much delighted with his company, conversation, and affectionate, behaviour; while, for his part, Francis was as much rejoiced, excepting when he did not see his Charlotte; he was then quite sorrowful, and went home sad.

47. The more he grew towards manhood, still the more he loved her; and when he was old enough to take him a wife, he would espouse no other, though she was not rich. The old man lived to see them married, blessed them, and soon after died in peace.*

THE THREE LITTLE FISHES.

1. When Harry was quite a small boy he seemed to be very well contented and satisfied with what he knew and possessed: but as soon as his ideas began to open and expand, he grew ambitious of greater power and knowledge.

2. He wished for the strength of that bull, and for the swiftness of yonder horse. And at the close of a serene summer's evening, while he and his father walked in the garden, he wished for wings, that he might fly up and see what the sky, and the stars, and the rising moon were made of.

3. In order to check these unreasonable desires, his father addressed him in the following manner. I will tell you a story, my Harry.

4. On the other side of yonder hill there runs a mighty clear river; and in that river, on a time, there lived three silver trouts, the prettiest little fishes that any one ever saw.

5. Now the great God took a wonderful liking to these pretty silver trouts, and he let