bly; and the young man would have gone to ruin,
if Charles had not with indefatigable patience brought down his high and
perverse spirit to the tone of apology and due humiliation; and,
moreover, ventured to moderate his master's somewhat unreasonable anger.
He got no thanks from either of them at the time: but he did not want
thanks, and gained his end, which was, to see the youth re-established
in his respectable situation. The hour of gratitude came at last, and
Charles now knew that he might command every possible service from the
youth whom he had obliged, and who was now proud to call him friend. He
had rendered Mr Gardiner an essential service by informing him of the
malpractices of some of the inferior people on the premises, which no
one else had the courage to expose; and the widow with whom he lodged
was obliged to him for her release from the oppression of a tyrannical
landlord, who dared not trouble her, when he found that a spirited youth
was her friend, who would not sit still and see her ill treated, while
courage and activity could procure a remedy.

When we think that to these important services were added hourly
kindnesses, most acceptable in the intercourses of social life; when we
remember that where Charles was, there was cheerfulness, kindness, an
open heart, a quick eye, and a ready hand to do good; we shall not
wonder that he was beloved, though poor, and respected, though humble.
Mr Rathbone was not, could not be, aware of all these things, but he
heard Charles speak of the kindness that he experienced, and then it was
easy to guess that it was earned by kindness shewn.

"I forget," said he, "how long it is exactly, since you came to London."

"Two years next month, Sir."

"And have you not seen your sisters in all that time?"

"No, Sir; nor have I any near prospect of seeing them. I do not venture
to wish it, for fear of growing discontented. The girls are happy, and
so am I; and we do not repine because we cannot reach an unattainable
pleasure."

"I will try, Charles, whether it be unattainable. Two years of industry
and self-denial deserve a reward. I will call on Mr Gardiner
to-morrow, and beg for a fortnight's holiday for you. If I can obtain
it, we will send you down to Exeter in a trice."

Charles's gratitude was inexpressible. In spite of his struggles, the
tears started from his eyes. In a moment, his home and its beloved
inmates rose up to his memory, and awakened his