st words: Fear God, and trust to his goodness: never forget Him. Be
honest, and show charity to your fellow-men; be kind to those below you,
and thoughtful of their welfare, and you will obtain contentment and
competency--a mind at peace, if not wealth. What would now be to me all
the honours I have gained without peace of mind--a trust in God's mercy
through our Saviour's merits? Never repine at what He orders; be
prepared for reverses, and pray for fortitude to bear them. Your
friends will tell you what has happened, and you will have need of all
the fortitude you possess. I cannot tell you the sad history; but
remember that God, who careth for the young birds, will not neglect you
if you trust in Him. To Him, in faith, I commit my soul. He is
merciful, my boy--He is everywhere--"

Sir Charles was silent--his hand, which had held mine, relaxed--his
spirit had fled, and I was alone in the world. I could scarcely believe
what had happened; but the medical man in attendance assured us of the
reality of the sad event, and Mrs Northcote was led weeping from the
room.

I had lost more than a father, and, as far as I knew, I, who had been
brought up to enjoy all the luxuries wealth can afford, was not only
penniless, but without any friends on whom I had claim beyond what their
charity might induce them to afford me. I did not think of this at the
time, all my feelings were engrossed with grief at the death of my
benefactor. Very soon, however, my real position was suggested to me.
Even to the Northcotes Sir Charles had never spoken of any provision he
had made for me. He had, they thought, intended to tell them, when my
coming interrupted him, and before he could finish what he wished to
say, death overtook him.

CHAPTER NINE.

I was too much absorbed by grief at the death of Sir Charles to ask
Captain and Mrs Northcote any questions during that day as to the
misfortune to which he had alluded; but during the night the matter
several times occurred to me, and next morning I could no longer
restrain the curiosity I naturally felt to learn the truth. I ought to
say that Sir Charles had some time before begged them to come and stay
with him; and when he became dangerously ill, they had remained to nurse
him. Captain Northcote had gone out to make arrangements about the
funeral, and I therefore asked Mrs Northcote to give me the information
I required. Tears came into her eyes as she spoke.

"It must be