Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/189

Rh learnt that, his uncle being dead, he had been placed, by the parish, in the service of a neighbouring farmer. Thither Mr. Selwyn and his son directed their steps. Philip came into the room—a fine intelligent looking lad, but pale and depressed. Mr. Selwyn asked Francis what he wished to have done for the lad they were about to take into their own care.

"His father was my father, and shall he not be my brother?"

Mr. Selwyn embraced his child: and from that hour the young Michael was treated as one of their family. He did their gratitude ample credit; and amid all the prosperity which was the lot of their future life, none of them ever forgot their early lessons of exertion, content, and reliance on Providence.