also, and all
the rest began laughing, as they had before done at the old man. He was
very angry with them on that account, and, as soon as he got up, ran
after his companions, pelting them with stones. He instantly became
convinced how unjust it was to laugh at the distress of another, and
formed a resolution, for the future, never to laugh at any person's
pain. He followed the old man he had been laughing at, though at some
distance, wishing for an opportunity to do him some favour, by way of
atonement for what he had done.

The good old man, in the mean time, by the kind assistance of Charlotte,
proceeded with slow, but sure steps. She asked him to stop and rest
himself a little, and told him that her house was that before him. "Pray
stay," said she, "and sit a little under that large tree. My parents
indeed are not at home, and therefore you will not be so well treated,
yet it will be a little rest to you."

The old man accepted Charlotte's offer. She brought him out a chair, and
then fetched some bread and cheese, and good small beer, which was all
the pretty maid could get at. He thanked her very kindly, and then
entered into conversation with her.

"I find, my dear," said he, "you have parents, I doubt not but you love
them, and they love you. They must be very happy, and may they always
continue to be so!"

"And pray, good old man," said Charlotte, "I suppose you have got
children."--"I had a son," replied he, "who lived in London, loved me
tenderly, and frequently came to see me; but, alas! he is now dead, and
I am left disconsolate. His widow, indeed, is rich; but she assumes the
character of a lady, and thinks it beneath her to inquire whether I be
dead or living, as she does not wish it to be known that her husband's
father is a peasant."

Charlotte was much affected, and could hardly believe that such cruel
people existed. "Ah! certain I am," said she, "that my dear mother would
not behave so cruelly." He then rose and thanked Charlotte with a
blessing; but she was determined not to leave him, till she had
accompanied him a little way farther.

As they walked on, they saw the little boy who had been following them;
for he ran on some way before, and was then sitting on the grass. When
they looked upon him, he cast his eyes downwards, got up after they had
passed, and followed them again. Charlotte observed him, but said
nothing.

She asked the old man if he lived alone; "No, little lady," answered