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52 the trouble, and perhaps I could "—and she hesitated.

"Could you teach me?" said the young man, eagerly. "You cannot think how anxious I am to learn, but my father could no spare me, and with poor Patrick dying so young, I was doubly needed to help him. You don't think I am too old to begin at the beginning? I can read, of course, and write a little, but I am afraid that is about all I can do."

Allan did not speak or behave in any way like an uneducated man, such a one is seen in England. He had been educated by circumstances, and had naturally first-rate abilities, so that Amy was surprised a such a frank confession of ignorance.

"I am afraid I am only fit to help one who begins at the beginning," said she, "and if you will do your best to learn I will do all I can for you. I should be so happy if I thought I was of some use to anybody in he house. Then I may unpack my boxes and see if it is dear papa's desk that is broken?"

On looking into the trunk Amy discovered that the old desk was uninjured, but that her work-box had come off is hinges. "I know I did no pack things well, but I had no idea of the roads, and every thing seem out of place.