would be good to him as long as I live.

Mr Barlow commended Tommy very much for dispositions so full of
gratitude and goodness; and, taking leave of him, went to communicate
the conversation he had just had to Mr Merton. That gentleman felt the
sincerest pleasure at the account, and entreated Mr Barlow to go
directly to prepare Harry to receive his son. "That little boy,"
observed he, "has the noblest mind that ever adorned a human being; nor
shall I ever be happy till I see my son acknowledging all his faults,
and entreating forgiveness; for, with the virtues that I have discovered
in his soul, he appears to me a more eligible friend and companion than
noblemen or princes."

Mr Barlow therefore set out on foot, though Mr Merton would have sent
his carriage and servants to attend him, and soon arrived at Mr
Sandford's farm. It was a pleasant spot, situated upon the gentle
declivity of a hill, at the foot of which winded along a swift and clear
little stream. The house itself was small, but warm and convenient,
furnished with the greatest simplicity, but managed with perfect
neatness. As Mr Barlow approached, he saw the owner himself guiding a
plough through one of his own fields, and Harry, who had now resumed the
farmer, directed the horses. But when he saw Mr Barlow coming across the
field, he stopped his team, and, letting fall his whip, sprang forward
to meet him with all the unaffected eagerness of joy. As soon as Harry
had saluted Mr Barlow, and inquired after his health, he asked with the
greatest kindness after Tommy; "for I fancy, sir," said he, "by the way
which I see you come, you have been at Mr Merton's house." "Indeed I
have," replied Mr Barlow, "but I am very sorry to find that Tommy and
you are not upon as good terms as you formerly were."

_Harry._--Indeed, sir, I am very sorry for it myself. But I do not know
that I have given Master Merton any reason to change his sentiments
about me; and though I do not think he has treated me as well as he
ought to do, I have the greatest desire to hear that he is well.

_Mr Barlow._--That you might have known yourself had you not left Mr
Merton's house so suddenly, without taking leave of any one, even your
friend Mr Merton, who has always treated you with so much kindness.

_Harry._--Indeed, sir, I should be very unhappy if you think I have done
wrong; but be so good as to tell me how I could have acted otherwise. I
am very sorry to appear to accuse Master M