unfeeling, from having so few natural ties, as well as for want of
intercourse with the world at large; and I learned that my attempts to
please her, especially when they involved self-sacrifice, made me all
the happier, so true it is that "it is more blessed to give than to
receive."

And in time I learned to love my home at the old farm house, with an
affection so deep that the thought of leaving it was very unpleasant to
me. I had also become much attached to my kind teacher and his family,
and thought with pain of a separation from them. But the time was now
drawing nigh when, like every youth who must depend upon his own
exertions for success, I must go forth to make my own way in the world.
By diligent study I had acquired an education which would enable me to
fill a position of trust and responsibility, when I should have gained
a practical knowledge of business. My mind turned toward mercantile
pursuits, and it was my intention (after leaving school) to seek a
situation where I could obtain experience in business.




CHAPTER XXI.


Winter had gradually melted away before the genial sun and warm rains of
spring, till the snow had entirely disappeared, and the fields began to
wear a tinge of green, with many other indications that summer was about
to revisit the earth. There is something very cheering in the return of
spring after enduring for a lengthened period the rigors of winter. The
waters are loosed from their icy fetters, and sparkle with seemingly