not cast me off, because I have been so self-willed; for here I have no friend to aid me, and I still feel the same desire for my present mode of life.  I am quite sure I am not suited for a clergyman; but I do not think I could live long with this captain.  If I could get shipped in another vessel, with a master not quite so severe, in a little time I should be able to work for money, and assist my dear mother; and if she saw me occasionally, and knew I was well and happy, she would be content and thankful.’

“Such was Frederic’s simple account of himself.  In five days we came in sight of Port Royal, and anchored off there during the night:  the next day we went ashore, and my brother Herbert, who was a merchant in Kingston, was ready to receive me, and welcome me to his house.

“I took the earliest opportunity of speaking to him concerning Frederic:  he promised to make some arrangement for the boy’s advantage, and he fulfilled his promise.  He got him transferred to the ‘Albatross,’ Captain Hill, a kind, gentlemanly man.  There Frederic remained for several years, and gained such approbation by his exemplary conduct, that, at length, he became first mate, and afterwards (on the death of Captain Hill) master.

“A few years back, Captain Hartly died; leaving him considerable property.  He made it his first business to settle his mother comfortably, and she is now residing with Marian (who married a surgeon,) in St. John’s Wood.  He next purchased a ship, and has already made six voyages in her to the West Indies; so that you see all things have prospered with Frederic Hamilton, because ’he feared the Lord always.’  I hear from him after every voyage, and have seen him several times since he became a great man and a ship-owner; but he is not altered in one respect, for he is still the same grateful, affectionate creature as when I first met him on board the ‘Neptune.’  His story proves the truth of the text, ’I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging their bread.’”

Mr. and Mrs. Wilton were as much pleased as the children with this little story of Grandy’s reminiscences.  “And now, George,” said Mr. Wilton, “carry my drawings into the study, for I hear John coming up-stairs with the supper.”

George collected his papa’s pencils and paper.  Emma folded up the cotton frock she had been making for one of her young pupils in the Sunday-school, locked her work-box, cleared the table of all signs of their recent occupation, and took her seat by the side of her brother.

The children were not allowed except on particular occasions to sit up after ten o’clock; but as it was Mr. Wilton’s wish that they should be present night and morning at family prayers he always had supper about nine o’clock, to give them time for their devotions before retiring to rest.

Supper over, the domestics were summoned, and, having humbly petitioned for pardon and grace, they besought the protection of Almighty God during the night season; then, with hearts filled with love to God, and good-will towards all men, they retired to their several apartments, and silence reigned throughout the house.