Page 199 - Child's own book

others, he was master of. But good fortune in general attends
the virtuous and diligent. One evening, as lie was seated under
a tree, lamenting the poverty that prevented his progressive
knowledge* Lady Bountiful, who lived at the Manor House,
and had often noticed Peter’s good behaviour as well as his
constant attendance at the village church, drew near on this
occasion, and in kind accents demanded the cause of his appa­
rent sorrow. He frankly told her the truth* and gave such
civil answers to every question she put to him, that quite
delighted her. As soon as she returned home, she sent one of
her footmen to Pippin’s cottage, desiring the good man to come
to her the next morning, aod bring Peter with him. The
father and son were not a little surprised at this message;
Indeed, the latter could scarcely sleep all night at the thoughts
of his visit to the Manor House. The morning was fine; and
as soon as they had breakfasted, and put on their best clothes,
Pippin, with his son, waited on her ladyship, who received
them very kindly, and told the old man, that if he liked to
part with Peter, she would board and clothe the boy at her own
expense, in the school at the next town. Pippin received the
offer with sincere gratitude. il I shall be rather sorry,” said he,
u to part with my only companion, for such he is, now my poor
wife and the other children are no more ; but it would be cruel
in me to refuse an offer so much to his advantage ”— 44 And I,’*
said Peter, taking his father's hand, 44 will come and see you
every holiday, when the weather permits ; .and should I live to
be a great man, through my learning, I will make you com­
fortable in youT old age, for you have been a kind parent to
The father aud son then embraced each other with such
real tenderness, that it drew tears into the eyes of their bene­
factress, and some ladies of her acquaintance who were present.
Her ladyship put an end to the scene by ringing the belL and