d both here
and in another world."

A few days after this conversation, George Hope was declared out of
immediate danger; and, when recollection returned, he found himself
supported in Shirley's arms.

A sense of his situation rushed over his mind. The strange room, the
strange bed, all confirmed the idea that Josiah was his preserver, and
that he was in the house of Mrs. Shirley; his heart, by nature not bad,
though by the force of evil example so sadly perverted, softened into
remorse and gratitude, and, burying his face in Josiah's bosom, he burst
into a flood of tears.

"Is it to you, Josiah Shirley, that I owe my life, whom I have so basely
and cruelly injured. Oh! if you did but know what a worthless wretch it
is you support thus tenderly in your arms, you would fling me from you
with disgust and horror."

"Calm these agitating feelings, my dear George," said Josiah, attempting
to sooth him; and forgetting, whilst he did so, his usual precision. "I
have long ago forgotten and forgiven our foolish dispute in the meadow;
let not the recollection of such trifles discompose thy mind in an hour
like this. Remember the past only as it refers to the improvement of the
future; and believe that Josiah Shirley is thy sincere and lasting
friend."

"God bless you for that word, Josiah!" exclaimed George, in a feeble
voice, as he sank back exhausted on the pillow. "How little have I
deserved this kindness from you. Oh, may I never be tempted to forfeit
your esteem for the future!"

"After this worthy resolution, friend George," said Josiah, playfully
putting his finger on his patient's lips, "I must insist on silence, for
it cannot be very prudent for thee to converse on any subject in thy
present weak state."

George smiled at this restraint on his tongue; but he very patiently
submitted to the young Quaker's request.

Most sincerely did George promise amendment for the future; and Josiah
was not backward in assisting him in the arduous task of
self-improvement.

Whilst watching by his sick pillow, for George was confined to his bed
many weeks, Shirley read to him passages from the best of our moral
works, and daily portions of the divine gospels, whilst, in his simple
language, he set before him the dreadful consequences which generally
followed disobedience to parents, and keeping company with vicious
people.

Every day added to young Hope's mental improvement; but his health
remained in so precarious a state