mons answered with the
greatest affability that she freely excused the warmth of his affection,
and that she would that very day acquaint her uncle with this
extraordinary event, who, she did not doubt, would come over with the
greatest expedition to see a person whom he knew so well by name, and
who could inform him of so many particulars of her uncle.

And now, the company being separated, Tommy, who had listened with
silent attention to the story of the Highlander, took an opportunity of
following Mr Barlow, who was walking out; and when he perceived they
were alone, he looked at him as if he had some weighty matter to
disclose, but was unable to give it utterance. Mr Barlow, therefore,
turned towards him with the greatest kindness, and taking him tenderly
by the hand, inquired what he wished. "Indeed," answered Tommy, almost
crying, "I am scarcely able to tell you. But I have been a very bad and
ungrateful boy, and I am afraid you no longer have the same affection
for me."

_Mr Barlow._--If you are sensible of your faults, my little friend, that
is a very great step towards amending them. Let me therefore know what
it is, the recollection of which distresses you so much; and if it is
in my power to assist in making you easy, there is nothing, I am sure,
which I shall be inclined to refuse you.

_Tommy._--Oh sir! your speaking to me with so much goodness hurts me a
great deal more than if you were to be very angry; for when people are
angry and passionate, one does not so much mind what they say; but when
you speak with so much kindness, it seems to pierce me to the very
heart, because I know I have not deserved it.

_Mr Barlow._--But if you are sensible of having committed any faults,
you may resolve to behave so well for the future that you may deserve
everybody's friendship and esteem; few people are so perfect as not to
err sometimes, and if you are convinced of your errors, you will be more
cautious how you give way to them a second time.

_Tommy._--Indeed, sir, I am very happy to hear you say so. I will, then,
tell you everything which lies so heavy upon my mind. You must know
then, sir, that although I have lived so long with you, and during all
that time you have taken so much pains to improve me in everything, and
teach me to act well to everybody, I had no sooner quitted your sight
than I became, I think, a worse boy than ever I was before.

_Mr Barlow._--But why do you judge so severely of yourself a