ition, and early evidences of a noble nature, won him friends even
among strangers. It was his broad, open forehead, the clearness and
calmness of his full grey eye, the expressive mouth, so determined and
yet so mild, the well-developed figure and ruddy complexion, proclaiming
high health, which gave promise of power to the future man. No one could
have been in the boy's company half an hour without loving and admiring
him. He had a warm-hearted, affectionate disposition, which his mother's
love and the world's smiles had fostered; an unusual flow of animal
spirits, tempered by a natural politeness towards his superiors; a quick
apprehension; a ready command of language; and a sincere sympathy in
others' pleasures and pains. He was fond of study, and until his twelfth
year his mother kept him constantly at school.

At that time he had an opportunity to enter into the service of an
apothecary, who did an extensive business, and wanted a boy to assist in
the shop. The wages offered by Mr. Bray were not great, but there was a
prospect of an increased salary; and it was not a chance to be
overlooked. Fond as he was of his books, he had long been eager to be at
work, helping to bear the burden of labour in the family. His mother and
grandfather consented to the plan, and he gladly accepted Mr. Bray's
proposals. He was sadly missed at home; for, as he slept at his
employer's during the week, he rarely could make a passing visit to his
mother, except on Saturday, when he came home at night and passed
Sunday. So Saturday night was Mrs. Sullivan's happy night, and the
Sabbath became a more blessed day than ever.

When Willie reached his mother's room on the evening of which we have
been speaking, he sat down with her and Mr. Cooper, and for an hour
conversation was brisk with them. Willie had always much to relate
concerning the occurrences of the week. Mrs. Sullivan was interested in
everything that interested Willie, and it was easy to see that the old
grandfather was more entertained by the boy than he was willing to
appear; for though he sat with his eyes upon the floor, and did not seem
to listen, he usually heard all that was said. He seldom made comments,
but would occasionally utter an impatient or contemptuous expression
regarding individuals or the world in general; thereby evidencing want
of confidence in men's honesty and virtue, and this formed a marked
trait in his character. Willie's spirits would receive a momen