Sit down on that chair, and tell me what you came for." "To request you would interest yourself in behalf of my father and myself; we are both out of employ, and require your assistance." "Or probably I never should have seen you!" "Most probably: we knew that you were in good circumstances, and thriving in the world; and as long as we could support ourselves honestly, should not have thrust ourselves upon you.

All we wish now is that you will, by your interest and recommendation, put us in the way of being again independent by our own exertions; which we did not consider too much to ask from a brother and an uncle." "Humph!--so first you keep aloof from me because you knew that I was able to assist you, and now you come to me for the same reason!" "Had we received the least intimation from you that our presence would have been welcome, you would have seen us before." "Perhaps so; but I did not know whether I had any relations alive." "Had I been in your circumstances, uncle, I should have inquired." "Humph!--Well, young man, as I find that I have relations, I should like to hear a little about them;--so now tell me all about your father and yourself." Newton entered into a detail of the circumstances, with which the reader is already acquainted.

When he had finished, his uncle, who had listened with profound attention, his eye fixed upon that of Newton, as if to read his inmost thoughts, said, "It appears, then, that your father wishes to prosecute his business as optician.

I am afraid that I cannot help him.

I wear spectacles certainly when I read; but this pair has lasted me eleven years, and probably will as many more.