Page:History of Hardy, the soldier.pdf/3

 amidst the cluster of trees.” “That cottage is my father's,” said Edward, “and I will ask him to give it to you.” Thank you, my dear young gentleman; but, perhaps, your father knows nothing of poor Hardy; though forty or fifty years ago I worked for the 'squire' who occupied the house in which you live; but there are so many changes in this uncertain world that I suppose it is possessed by some other family now.” “ What was that gentleman's name?” inquired Edward, with his characteristic warmth and eagerness. “ His name will never be forgotten by me, it was 'squire Benson. ” “ My grandfather," exclaimed Edward; “did you really work for him?” “ Yes ” replied Hardy : “ and now I look at your face, I see that you are the very image of the good old gentleman. How is your dear father? I often nursed him when a baby, and played with him when a child : he was always very fond of Hardy, and I loved him exceedingly.” When the old soldier had said this, Edward took hold of one hand, and Amelia of the other, while both of them cried out, “ You must come to papa, he will be so glad to see you!” Saying this, they dragged him along with them to the gate.

Mr. Benson happening to see his children leading a poor old soldier up the gravel walk, went out and began to chide them for their familiarity with such a person, and ecommanded them to come to him immediately. “Do not be angry, Sir, with your dear children,” said Hardy, addressing Mr. Benson, “for I have many a time in former years carried you in these arms, and led you about this garden-have you forgot your old servant, Hardy?” “ Forgot my old servant Hardy ! no,” said Mr. B. running and taking him by the hand, “I remember you still, though your skin has been darkened by the sun, and wrinkled by age. You are welcome to this house, and here you may almost fancy yourself young again, while you review the scenes of youth.”

When they arrived at the mansion of Mr. Benson, Edward and Amelia were busily employed in the kitchen, waiting upon the aged soldier: they brought him the old arm-chair, which he said he knew fifty years ago, and they seemed emulous which should be most active and diligent in serving him; while he continued thanking them, and declaring that he ought rather to wait upon them. Mr. and Mrs. Benson stood at some little distance, beholding with conscious pleasure the benevolent exertions of their amiable children, who had enjoyed the unspeakable advantages of a pious education, which they appeared to value and improve. Young persons should always esteem it their duty and their happiness to relieve the distressed, and to do good by all the means in their power; especially those who have been taught to love God with all their hearts, and to love their neighbours as themselves.