At this time his mother’s brother, whose health was very poor, came to enjoy the benefit of the sea breezes, and rest a little from the toil and bustle of active life in London.

Mr. Lewis was a young man of the most pleasing manners and appearance.  He was gentle and serious, but not at all gloomy or severe.

His bad health only served to increase his patience in enduring it without a murmuring word or discontented look.  Edward, who was really a kind-hearted and affectionate boy, soon became very much attached to his uncle, who had not seen him since he was an infant, and who was much pleased at the attentions his nephew delighted to show him.

Young hearts are soon won; and it was only three days after Edward’s return from school, that he went bounding over the grounds in search of his uncle, whose society he already preferred to his usual amusements.

Mr. Lewis was seated under a fine old oak, the high and knotted roots of which served as a seat; while the soft moss, in which grew many delicate little flowers, was like a carpet beneath his feet.

A rich and extensive tract of country lay spread before his eyes; and, at a distance the mighty ocean, whose deep green waters were seen in beautiful contrast with the pale yellow cliff, bounded the prospect.

[Illustration:  “Is that a Bible, uncle?”]

Thin clouds were floating past the sun every now and then, and threw all the varieties of light and shade upon the lovely scene below.

Mr. Lewis had a book in his hand, into which he frequently looked, and then raised his eyes again to gaze upon the beauties of nature that surrounded him.

So intent he seemed that Edward doubted whether he ought to disturb him, until his uncle, seeing him at some little distance, kindly beckoned him to come near.

“Is not this a pretty place, uncle?” asked Edward, as he seated himself beside him; “and do you not find the breeze from the water very refreshing?”

“It is beautiful indeed, my dear boy; and I am refreshed and instructed as I look around me.”

[Illustration:  The Holy Bible]

“Is that a Bible, uncle?”

“Yes.  I always find it the best commentary upon His works;—­they explain each other.”

“I love the Bible too, uncle,” said Edward, “and got much credit for my answering on Scripture questions last half-year.”

“And which did you enjoy most, Edward, the Scriptures, or the credit you got for studying them?”

Edward looked a little embarrassed and did not immediately reply.

“It is quite right to take pleasure in the well-earned approbation of your teachers,” continued Mr. Lewis, “and I was glad to hear that you were given a premium at the last examination also.”

“Yes, uncle, but not the prize I wanted most.  There was a Roman History that I should have liked better, and it was exactly of equal value with the Bible that I got.”