I have known Richard Smallwood all my life, and he was a valued friend of my dear father's, as well as being his right hand in all matters of business.

Both my father and uncle thought very highly of Richard's opinion, and considered that they owed much of their commercial success to his advice and assistance." "Poor Christopher! I wonder if he will mind much ?" "Of course he will mind, my dear.

What a strange child you are, and what peculiar things you say! Mr.Smallwood is Christopher's only living relative, and when anything happens to him Christopher will be entirely alone in the world.

It is sad for any one to be quite alone; and especially for young people, who have a natural craving for companionship and sympathy." Miss Farringdon sighed.

She had spent most of her life in the wilderness and on the mountain-tops, and she knew how cold was the climate and how dreary the prospect there.
Elisabeth's eyes filled with tears, and her heart swelled with a strange new feeling she had never felt before.