mpanions, and you will
surely be prospered in all your undertakings." This advice was given in
the kindest manner possible, and from my heart I thanked Mr. Baynard for
the interest he manifested in me. When I entered upon my regular duties
in the store, I found them light, but I was kept very busy. My first
task in the morning was to sweep, dust and open the store; through the
day I assisted the older clerks in waiting upon customers, carried
parcels, in fact, made myself generally useful. When released from the
store the remaining portion of my evenings were pleasantly passed in the
family of my employer; he was very unwilling I should acquire the habit
of spending my evenings abroad, and was at much pains that the evenings
in his own family should be pleasant. The little boy seemed to regard
me, when out of the store, as his own property. I was fond of the child,
and devised many plans for his childish amusement; his lively prattle
often drove away the lonely feelings which at times stole over me, when
I remembered my distant friends. The little girls both played the
piano, which was a source of much enjoyment to me; we had access to the
library where there were books suited to all ages. Mrs. Baynard allowed
us occasionally to indulge in a noisy game, when our numbers were
increased by some of their schoolmates. I well remember the feeling of
wounded pride and anger when I one evening chanced to hear a purse-proud
gentleman say to Mr. Baynard, "I am much surprised that you should allow
your children to associate with one of your clerks; I could not for a
moment think of allowing mine to do such a thing." "I do not ask you to
allow your children to associate with him," replied Mr. Baynard, with a
heightened colour, "but as long as Walter remains the honest, upright
youth he has so far proved himself, I consider him a very desirable
companion for _my_ children. I have learned his character and
connections from my old and esteemed friend Dr. Gray, and his testimony
is sufficient for me." This reply silenced, if it failed to convince the
proud gentleman.

CHAPTER XXVI.

As time passed on, I became accustomed to the duties of my position,
and performed them much more easily than at the first. The feeling of
diffidence with which I entered Mr. Baynard's family soon wore-away, by
the kindness extended toward me by every member of the family. I spent
no money needlessly, being anxious to lay by as much as possible. I