ll he at present
hoped or wished.

He therefore presented himself before the doctor, whom he found in his
study.--To be informed that he was an American and unfortunate, was
sufficient to arouse the feelings of Franklin. He desired Alonzo to be
seated, and to recite his history. This he readily complied with, not
concealing his attachment to Melissa, her father's barbarity, her death
in consequence, his own father's failure, with all the particulars of
his leaving America, his capture, escape from prison, and arrival in
France; as also the town of his nativity, the name of his father, and
the particular circumstances of his family; concluding by expressing his
unconquerable reluctance to return to his native country, which now
would be to him only a gloomy wilderness, and that his present object
was only some means of support.

The doctor enquired of Alonzo the particular circumstances and time of
his father's failure. Of this Alonzo gave him a minute account. Franklin
then sat in deep contemplation for the space of fifteen minutes, without
speaking a word. He then took his pen, wrote a short note, directed it,
and gave it to Alonzo: "Deliver this, said he, to the person to whom it
is directed; he will find you employment, until something more
favourable may offer."

Alonzo took the note, thanked the doctor, and went in search of the
person to whom it was addressed. He soon found the house, which was
situated in one of the most popular streets in Paris. He knocked at the
door, which was opened by an elderly looking man: Alonzo enquired for
the name to whom the note was addressed. The gentleman informed him that
he was the man. Alonzo presented him the note, which having read, he
desired him to walk in, and ordered supper. After supper he informed
Alonzo that he was an English bookseller; that he should employ him as a
clerk, and desired to know what wages he demanded. Alonzo replied that
he should submit that to him, being unacquainted with the customary
salary of clerks in that line of business. The gentleman told him that
the matter should be arranged the next day. His name was Grafton.

The next morning Mr. Grafton took Alonzo into his bookstore, and gave
him his instructions. His business was to sell the books to customers,
and a list of prices was given him for that purpose. Mr. Grafton counted
out twenty crowns and gave them to Alonzo: "You may want some
necessaries, said he; and as you have set no price on yo