prudent boy, and that God watched over him, as one of the lambs of
the good shepherd.

Grandpapa then, had just finished reading; he had put on his hat and
taken his cane, and had gone out through the gate.

Francis, who was sitting before the house, under the pretty green
verandah, saw him pass behind the garden hedge, and was already
thinking of going to meet him at the end of an hour, when to his
great surprise he saw his Grandpapa pass again behind the hedge, and
then enter the garden through the little gate, walking apparently
with much difficulty.

"What is the matter, dear Grandpapa?" cried Francis, springing
towards the garden.--"Oh! how you are covered with mud! It must be
that rude Driver who wanted to fawn upon you. He has always such
dirty paws."

"You must not scold Driver, but _me_," mildly replied his
Grandpapa, "for I incautiously, and most imprudently, walked upon
that part of the path which has been inundated by the water from the
fountain."

"Grandpapa, did you fall?" asked Francis, quite alarmed.

"Yes my boy, your Grandfather fell like a heedless man.... But
thanks to our gracious God, who ever takes care of us! it was
nothing; I was only a little frightened. You see, Francis, you must
not forget that we only stand, because God supports us."