n of the young man, "and yet I never felt so loth to let
you go. While with me you seem still in some wise to belong to me, and
I feel a reluctance to lose you out of my sight."

"Do you think it possible," exclaimed young Pownal--whom his father,
out of a sentiment of delicacy towards his friends, had insisted
should be called by the name of his preserver, he had so long borne,
for which reason we shall continue to use it--"do you think it
possible I can ever forget how deeply I am indebted, that I shall ever
cease to love you with all the affection of a son, on whom you have
lavished every possible kindness?"

"No; I have no fear of that. It is only the pain of parting from which
I shrink. As we grow older we cling with the greater tenacity, and,
perhaps, selfishness, to the enjoyments that are left. But this will
never do. I must think more of you, and less of myself. I have some
questions to ask, and something besides to say before you leave for
Hillsdale, and this is as good an opportunity, probably, as we shall
have, so take a seat by me, and we will enter upon business."

Pownal, who hitherto had remained standing, now took a seat by
the side of his benefactor, and waited for him to continue the
conversation.

"Are you satisfied," inquired Mr. Pownal, "with your situation at
Hillsdale?"

"Perfectly," replied the young man. "My time has passed very happily
there."

"I meant it," continued Mr. Pownal, "only as an interlude. I sent
you thither for the purpose of making you better acquainted with the
branches of our business, intending to leave it to your choice
either to remain or return to the city, and resume your place in the
counting-house. I confess, the latter would suit me better, because
you would be nearer to me; but consult your inclinations, and I shall
be satisfied."

"My dear sir," said Pownal, with some little hesitation, "you are
always kind, and since you leave it to my choice, I hope it will not
offend you if I say, that for the present I should prefer to remain at
Hillsdale."

"It is not at all surprising that you should wish to be with your
father, whom, in so wonderful a manner, you have discovered," answered
Mr. Pownal. "I am delighted with him, and his noble qualities must be
restored to the world. We must find means to induce him to conquer his
repugnance to society and its habits."

"I hope for such a result," said the young man, "but he is evidently
now uneasy and pining for sol