The Coachmaster 



garden he had ever had. He was tenderly 

 glad to see me, and we had much to say to 

 one another. I can remember, it seems to 

 me, every word he said, as if it were but 

 yesterday ; and I hope my heart may keep 

 them in evergreen memory. Just before 

 we entered the house, he laid his hand on 

 my arm and said slowly, " Look here, my 

 boy, when first I closed the office and left 

 the old place where all you little ones were 

 born and some of you died, and came here, 

 I thought my heart was broke ; I was full 

 of wicked, ungrateful thoughts. And now 

 see how good the Almighty has been to 

 me! Here's this young man come as a 

 boarder, and helps us pay our way, and 

 I've come to love him like a son almost, now 

 that my boys must all be out and away from 

 me; and there's Mary so good to me, and 

 keeps the place so bright, and the little 

 garden and all — my boy " he said, solemnly 

 stopping in his walk, and gripping my arm 

 so tight that I almost cried out, *' when I 

 walk about this little garden I have such 

 thoughts — such thoughts as I wouldn't 

 exchange for thousands ! " and the big 

 tears fell as he spoke. 



Blessed thoughts they must indeed have 

 been, dear old man, to keep your heart so 

 patient and brave under all its trial! 

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