anything about it, only I heard that your father wanted a clerk, and, perhaps, he might take me." Mr. Hardy had the largest and most important store in the place, and there was no other where Philip could find employ

ment.

"Take you into the store, Quin! do you really mean it? I thought you were too proud, a long way, to do anything of the kind!" Hardy did not now speak bitterly, but in unfeigned surprise.

"Yes," said Philip, "I have been very foolish, I know, but one grows wiser as one grows older, and I don't know what else I can do. Do you think your father would have me?"

"I don't know," said Hardy, "he wants a man."

"Perhaps Mr. Lynton would speak for me," said Philip, thoughtfully; "I think I'll ask him; " and soon after the boys parted.

So Philip wished to come into the store! Hardy was far from echoing the wish; he did not want to have a constant reminder of his folly before his eyes, but he said nothing; and next day Mr. Lynton and Philip made their appearance.

"I believe, Hardy, you are in want of a clerk? Perhaps you would be good enough

to try my young friend here, and see whether you can make anything of him as a man of business."

Philip felt his cheeks burning; it was a hard trial for him, and one from which Mr. Lynton would willingly have shielded him, could he have found anything more suitable at the time.

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Mr. Hardy rubbed his hands, and scanned Philip with his cold harsh eyes. 'He's very young, sir, very young. I guess he won't be worth his salt for long time to come. Can you write a goodish hand, youngster; let us see?" and he pushed the ink towards him. Philip's hand shook so that he could hardly hold the pen, but he managed to write a few words in a bold hand.

"Ah! come, that's pretty well for a beginning," said he. "It's Mrs. Quin's son, I believe, is it not? a sad thing that fire, very. And you want to do something for yourself, eh? Well, sir, under the circumstances, and since it's to oblige you, I'll consent to try him; but he's young, sir, far too young. However, I'm glad to do a charitable action at all times!". Philip's blood boiled. Did the man think he was doing him a charity, when a word from him would ruin his son for life? Hasty words were rushing

to his lips, when he suddenly checked himself, and inwardly prayed for strength to be enabled to keep his resolution.

Poor Philip! it was no easy task he had in prospect, but he thought of the promise, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be," and he was helped. It was settled that the next Monday should see him take his place behind the counter for the first time, at a salary of four dollars a week; and with a heavy heart he walked back to Lyntonville.

"It will be a trial to you, Philip," said Mr. Lynton, "especially at first, but strive to do your duty in your new position, and you will find that God will bless you in it. The discipline may seem hard just now, but believe me, in after life you will never regret it, and just let me give you one word of advice: don't add to your mother's sorrow by letting her see what a sacrifice you are making for her sake. No doubt she feels it enough already."

Philip remembered Mr. Lynton's caution, and when he told his mother of the arrangement that had been made, he did it as cheerfully as he could.

"It will be pleasant to feel that I am beginning to help you, dear mother.”

"Well, my son," she replied, stroking back