erton, neither do I bear any
resentment against him for what he has done; but since you speak to me
upon the subject, I shall be obliged to tell the truth.

_Mr Barlow._--Well, Harry, let me hear it; you know I shall be the last
person to condemn you, if you do not deserve it.

_Harry._--I know your constant kindness to me, sir, and I always confide
in it; however, I am not sensible that I am in fault. You know, sir,
that it was with unwillingness I went to Mr Merton's, for I thought
there would be fine gentlemen and ladies there, who would ridicule my
dress and manners; and, though Master Merton has been always very
friendly in his behaviour towards me, I could not help thinking that he
might grow ashamed of my company at his own house.

_Mr Barlow._--Do you wonder at that, Harry, considering the difference
there is in your rank and fortune?

_Harry._--No, sir, I cannot say I do, for I generally observe that those
who are rich will scarcely treat the poor with common civility. But, in
this particular case, I did not see any reason for it; I never desired
Master Merton to admit me to his company, or invite me to his house,
because I knew that I was born, and in a very inferior station. You were
so good as to take me to your house, and if I was then much in his
company, it was because he seemed to desire it himself, and I always
endeavoured to treat him with the greatest respect.

_Mr Barlow._--That is indeed true, Harry; in all your little plays and
studies I have never observed anything but the greatest mildness and
good nature on your part.

_Harry._--I hope, sir, it has never been otherwise. But though I had the
greatest affection for Master Merton, I never desired to go home with
him. What sort of a figure could a poor boy like me make at a
gentleman's table, among little masters and misses that powder their
hair, and wear buckles as big as our horses carry upon their harness? If
I attempted to speak, I was always laughed at; or if I did anything, I
was sure to hear something about clowns and rustics! And yet, I think,
though they were all gentlemen and ladies, you would not much have
approved of their conversation, for it was about nothing but plays, and
dress, and trifles of that nature. I never heard one of them mention a
single word about saying their prayers, or being dutiful to their
parents, or doing any good to the poor.

_Mr Barlow._--Well, Harry, but if you did not like their conversation,
you sure