and in return for so many gifts, he gave―a poor return, certainly, but the only one he had to give -the free sacrifice of a young and happy spirit. Frank had striven, so far as in him lay, to honour his God during his five years' stay at Fairlegh. The schoolmaster's last words to him were sufficient proof that his efforts, however weak, had not been disregarded, or remained unblessed by Him who sends His showers alike upon the majestic oak and the humblest flower of the grass, and allows both alike to show forth to man the glory of their Creator. As Frank had striven to glorify God at Fairlegh, so he prayed that he might still be enabled to do in his new home, and amongst the new companions whom he should meet there. His talent might be small, but it could not be too small to trade with. The Master of the labourers expected a return from him to whom He had entrusted but one talent, as well as from him to whom He had entrusted ten. CHAPTER XXI. "Take up the torch, and wave it wide, BONAR. But MR. JOHNSON was very particular, certainly. He might with reason be called a strict master. in all his strictness there was not a shade of injustice. Those who deserved blame at his hands received blame. And, in like manner, those who deserved praise received praise. Frank served his new master faithfully, and was duly praised and valued by him. Where service is appreciated, it is an easy task to render it; and Frank found little difficulty in working steadily in his new situation. The business itself was also well suited to his tastes and talents, and afforded him far more opportunity for self-improvement than he could have found in the quiet country village of Fairlegh. Frank loved reading, and he had now ample opportunity of indulging his tastes, and improving himself in many things to which, from circumstances, he had not, until now, been able to pay much attention. His master, seeing that his love for study in no way interfered with his attention to his business, but, on the contrary, that this-the only studious assistant he had ever had-was in every way vastly superior to any of his predecessors, willingly lent him every assistance in his power, gave him free access to any of his books which were likely to be of use to him, granted him permission to attend an excellent Working Men's Institute, which had lately been established in the town, and in which Frank took so much interest, that although one of the youngest, he soon became one of the most intelligent and advanced members. Frank had never before found himself in circumstances so well suited to his tastes and abilities; and but for the continued absence from Ruth, and the uncertain state in which his father's health still remained, he would scarcely have had an anxious thought. It troubled him, also, that he could not now see as much of his own family and his old friends as he used to do at Fairlegh, and that, although he was able to render his parents far more efficient help in the way of money, he could not go to Briersley as constantly as he used, to cheer them by his visits. He knew hs mother missed these visits, although she never said so. And he, too, missed much which he had left behind - Mrs. Eggar's hearty friendliness, Mr. Eggar's honest kindness, and, above all, his mother's constant counsel and sympathy, and Ruth Chester's gentle words and pleasant smiles. The person in whom he took most interest at Beverton was one of the apprentice lads who served in Mr. Johnson's shop,-an intelligent boy of fifteen. Between this lad and himself there had sprung up a mutual good understanding, the result, no doubt, of many little acts of kindness which Frank had shown him. The boy was the son of a widow, and had to work hard to help his mother. This had first aroused a feeling of interest for him on Frank's part. He was just Will's age, too, and like Will in disposition, intelligent and good-natured, but somewhat headstrong and self>pinionated; and this had made Frank feel yet :nore interest in him, and wish to be to him just such a friend as he should wish some one to be to Will under similar circumstances. He had lent him several books, and the boy had taken particular interest in reading them, and would converse about ⚫hem afterwards in such an intelligent manner, that rank was led to think he might, with proper guidance, become a very promising young man. In his new home, the thought and trouble which he took about Charley Parsons, the apprentice, was one of Frank's most fruitful sources of interest. He had been at Beverton about six months when, one evening on his return from attending a lecture in the town, he found his young friend, Charley, intently engaged in reading. Never yet had Frank seen him so interested in the contents of any book as he was this evening, as he sat upon a low stool in an inner part of the shop, so completely absorbed in his occupation that he did not even hear Frank enter. Frank went up to him, and saw that the book which he held in his hand was one which he had himself met with some weeks before, and the contents of which had so shocked him, that after reading a few sentences he had laid it down with the intention of never again opening it, or any other like it. It was an amusing tale, with infidel principles, and an immoral tendency. Greatly grieved was Frank to see his young favourite so interested in the contents of such a work. 66 Charley," he said; and at the sound of his name the boy started, and let the book fall from his hand. Frank took it up. "I am sorry to find you so interested in this book." 66 Why?" replied the lad; "it's very amusing. |