assistance of
friends would be required for a few years, and that he knew of some who
were willing to assist, believing, from the good principles of the
children, that their assistance would be well bestowed, and that their
endeavours would be in time rewarded by the usefulness and happiness of
those who now required their care.

Jane acquiesced in Mr Barker's proposal, but expressed her hope that
they might not be separated. The one thing that she desired more than
any other, was, to remain with, and watch over the little ones, and be
as far as possible a mother to them. If they were separated, the
children would forget her, she said, and that she was sure she could not
bear. She did not mind any labour, any privation, any anxieties, if
they could but keep together.

"I knew you would think so, my dear," said Mr Barker. "You are
perfectly right. You must not be separated, if it can possibly be
avoided. I have been consulting with my wife about it, and we have
devised a plan for you: but it is yet only a scheme; it is very doubtful
whether we can carry it through. I am afraid, however, that Charles
must leave you."

"I have been telling Jane, Sir," said Charles, "that I should most
likely have to go to some situation where I may maintain myself. I
hope, Sir, that that is what you mean."

"And do you think, Charles, that at your age you can work for your own
support?"

"Yes, Sir, I do, because others have done it before me. My father
taught me enough of business to qualify me for a situation in a
merchant's warehouse. At least, he said, only a few weeks ago, that if
I was but industrious, I need never be dependent, and that therefore he
was easy about me. I hope you think so too, Sir."

"I do, my boy," replied Mr Barker: "as far as skill and industry go,
you are to be trusted. But you have not considered, you do not know,
the difficulties and dangers which are met with when young men leave
their father's house, and go by themselves into the world, especially
into the London world, to which you may be destined."

"If you mean temptations to do wrong, Sir," said Charles, "I have been
warned by my father about them. But, O, Sir, is it possible, do you
think, with all the advantages I have had, with my father's example
always before me, with all that is now depending upon me, being, as I
am, the brother on whom three sisters rely for support and assistance,
is it possible that I should neglect them? tha