﻿MY VISIT TO THE COUNTRY. 203 



home about what business he would like to follow. I told him I 

 would find him some situation where he would be kindly treated, 

 and would trust to Providence for my reward. He seemed to expe- 

 rience a longing for the country ; and if I would be so kind as to find 

 him some place in the country where he could live on a farm, he 

 would be very grateful. 



The next day I took a chaise and rode out to W , to a very 



worthy friend of mine, and telling him the story, asked him to take 

 the boy and treat him as his own child. I believe my friends were 

 faithful to him. They never neglected his education, but encouraged 

 him to prepare for a life of usefulness and honor. My charity cost 

 me but little. I gave him a few suits of clothes, but so willing and 

 industrious did he prove, that for the last few years he has received 

 wages from the worthy farmer, which he conscientiously thought he 

 had earned. 



I learned, a few months since, that a wealthy farmer in an adjoin- 

 ing town, with a perfectly good understanding with my friend, hired 

 the young man to superintend his workmen, so great was his confi- 

 dence in his skill and integrity. 



I was obliged to hasten my story, towards its close, for I saw I 

 must soon be interrupted. They all discovered I had been telling 

 them of their father's new foreman, a glimpse of whom told me that 

 I had accidentally come to his present home. 



Their many questions were cut short by the ringing of the dinner- 

 bell ; and we all hastened to the table. Mr. S asked the 



blessing of Heaven on the bounty with which the table was spread. 

 All were helped before any began to eat. I noticed nothing of that 

 vulgarity of manners so common in some families. The children 

 were respectful to their parents and to each other. I saw that their 

 good behavior was the result of consistent and persevering effort, on 

 the part of their parents, for which they, I hope, will yet live to 

 thank them. 



The conversation during the meal turned upon the studies of chil- 

 dren, and the books profitable for them to read. I was asked if I 

 would recommend Latin for William and Lucy now. I said yes, if 

 they have mastered all their other studies. This was too general a 

 reply, and 1 must be more particular. Well, tten, I consider any 



