ought but for the
encouragement I received from Mr. Seaford, your Lordship's chaplain. I
have a small income of my own, so that I should not be a burthen on the
mission, and understanding that mechanical arts are found useful, I
will mention that I learnt shoemaking at Milbank, and carpentry at
Portland, and I would gladly undertake any manual occupation needed in
a mission. Latterly I was employed in the schoolmaster's department;
and I have some knowledge of music. My education is of course,
imperfect, but I am endeavouring to improve myself. My age is
twenty-one; I have good health, and I believe I can bring power of
endurance and willingness to be employed in any manner that may be
serviceable, whether as artisan or catechist.'

'I don't think they will make a shoemaker of you,' said Ethel, with her
heart full.

'Will they have me at all? There will always be a sort of
ticket-of-leave flavour about me,' said Leonard, speaking simply,
straight-forwardly, but without dejection; 'and I might be doubtful
material for a mission.'

'Your brother put that in your head.'

'He implied that my case half known would be a discredit to him, and I
am prepared for others thinking so. If so, I can get a situation at
Portland, and I know I can be useful there; but when such a hope as
this was opened to me again, I could not help making an attempt. Do you
think I may show that letter to Dr. May?'

'O, Leonard, this is one of the best days of one's life!'

'But what,' he asked, as she looked over the letter, 'what shall I
alter?'

'I do not know, only you are so business-like; you do not seem to care
enough.'

'If I let myself out, it would look like unbecoming pressing of myself,
considering what I am; but if you think I ought, I will say more. I
have become so much used to writing letters under constraint, that I
know I am very dry.'

'Let papa see it first,' said Ethel. 'After all, earnestness is best
out of sight.'

'Mr. Wilmot and he shall decide whether I may send it,' he said; 'and
in the meantime I would go to St. Augustine's, if they will have me.'

'I see you have thought it all over.'

'Yes. I only waited to have spoken with my sister, and she--dear, dear
Ave--had separately thought of such a destination for me. It was more
than acquiescence, more than I dared to hope!'

'Her spirit will be with you, wherever she is! And,' with a sudden
smile, 'Leonard, was not this the secret between you and Di