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"mother. When I left them this morn

ing, I was very uneasy with thinking "how both our parents were to be main"tained in the interval; but that difficulty " is now done away."

"And how have you surmounted that "inconvenience ?" demanded Mr. Rich

ardson.

"I am rich now, Sir, and can well af"ford to keep both our mothers, at least "until George is able to do something for "his."

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"Exemplary youth," said Mr. Richardson, in a low voice, to his son. "How dignified is Virtue, whatever form she "assumes!" then turning to the young man, he addressed him thus: "To de

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prive you of the satisfaction of assisting "of your mother, would be depriving you "of what money could not compensaté; "but for your aunt, should she survive, "these young people will occasionally help "her during her son's apprenticeship; and "for him, as I hope he has renounced his

" errors,

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errors, I will find him clothes during that "time."

William was astonished at this goodness, but his thanks were too sincere to suffer him to be eloquent.

"And now," said Mr. Richardson, how do you intend to dispose of your "self?"

"I shall go to sea again, Sir, though, "to own the truth, I have no great liking. "to that life now my good master is, gone. Ah, Sir, I would have attended

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"him to the world's end.. However, "God's will must be done; I shall, in

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respect to my friends, go with a light heart, for they will not want in my absence.?'

"If you would prefer a situation at "home," replied Mr. Richardson, "I will "obtain your discharge, and, as I un"derstand you write a good hand, place you under my clerks, where, with care. " and attention, you may soon render yourself useful."

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The young lad seemed transported with pleasure, and repeatedly blessed the hour that he met so good a friend.

Thanks were not the incense Mr. Richardson delighted in; and telling him he would be late home, dismissed him, bidding him call again in a few days.

СНАР.

CHAP. XII.

A Proof of the Sailor William's Attachment to his Master.---Account of St. James's Palace.---Condescension of King Charles the Second.---A poor Beggarwoman relieved.

man,

CHARLES and Mary were both pleased with this arrangement; and the discourse long after William's departure, turned on the subject. "I did not," said the good " inform you before what I learned "in this buness; but Captain Wells's "brother 1 am well acquainted with; he " is a merchant of great repute, and yesEL terday, on 'Change, I asked him con"cerning this lad. He then informed me, "that his late brother had intrusted his "will to the Surgeon of the ship; that

among other bequests, there was two “hundred pounds to this boy, whose af"fection, as he expressed it in his will, "had saved him from being killed on

the

"the deck, by rushing through the thickest "of the fire, and supporting him away,

"though he received a shot in the shoulder "in the attempt."

"What a brave lad!" said Charles. "At least," replied Mr. Richardson,

he has a heart capable of gratitude, "which, to me, is a warm recommendation; "and as Mr. Wells did not appear to "have any inclination to engage him, I "was not displeased at the acquisition."

Thus ended the conversation, at least for that time; and, after two hours spent pleasantly with their father, the children retired to rest.

Mary's lessons were performed early the ensuing morning; and Charles's also being concluded they sat down to amuse themselves until their father should send for them; Charles reading aloud, and Mary employed on a piece of embroidery; though her eyes often wandered to the door, in expectancy of the wi.h d-for sumThus situated were they when

mons.

Mr. Richardson entered, who declared himself

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