“Do not be discouraged,” said Uncle Joshua; “I will advance whatever sum you are in immediate need of, and you may repay me when it is convenient to yourself.  I will also take the bills which are due to you from various persons, and endeavour to collect them.  Your present term is, I suppose, nearly ended.  Commence another with this regulation:—­That the price of tuition, or at least one-half of it, shall be paid before the entrance of the scholar.  Some will complain of this rule, but many will not hesitate to comply with it, and you will find the result beneficial.  And now I would leave you, Fanny, for I have another call to make this evening.  My young friend, William Churchill, is, I hear, quite ill, and I feel desirous to see him.  I will call upon you in a day or two, and then we will have another talk about your affairs, and see what can be done for you.  So good night, Fanny; go to sleep and dream of your old friend.”

Closing the door after Uncle Joshua, Mrs. Morrison returned to her room with a heart filled with thankfulness that so kind a friend had been sent to her in the hour of need; while the old gentleman walked with rapid steps through several streets until he stood at the door of a small, but pleasantly situated house in the suburbs of the city.  His ring at the bell was answered by a pretty, pleasant-looking young woman, whom he addressed as Mrs. Churchill, and kindly inquired for her husband.

“William is very feeble to-day, but he will be rejoiced to see you, sir.  His disease is partly owing to anxiety of mind, I think, and when his spirits are raised by a friendly visit, he feels better.”

Uncle Joshua followed Mrs. Churchill to the small room which now served the double purpose of parlour and bedroom.  They were met at the door by the invalid, who had recognised the voice of his old friend, and had made an effort to rise and greet him.  His sunken countenance, the hectic flush which glowed upon his cheek, and the distressing cough, gave fearful evidence that unless the disease was soon arrested in its progress, consumption would mark him for its victim.

The friendly visiter was inwardly shocked at his appearance, but wisely made no allusion to it, and soon engaged him in cheerful conversation.  Gradually he led him to speak openly of his own situation,—­of his health, and of the pecuniary difficulties with which he was struggling.  His story was a common one.  A young family were growing up around him, and an aged mother and invalid sister also depended upon him for support.  The small salary which he obtained as clerk in one of the most extensive mercantile establishments in the city, was quite insufficient to meet his necessary expenses.  He had, therefore, after being constantly employed from early morning until a late hour in the evening, devoted two or three hours of the night to various occupations which added a trifle to his limited income.  Sometimes he procured copying of various kinds; at others, accounts, which he could take to his own house, were intrusted to him.  This incessant application had gradually ruined his health, and now for several weeks he had been unable to leave the house.