Friarswood Post-Office (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860 edition. Excerpt: ... Ellen, who could not bear for him to blame himself, 'I'm sure it was no wonder--he's so distracted with the pain, and Harold getting idling, and forgetting to bring him the ointment. Why, even that vagabond boy was so shocked, that he went all the way to Elbury that very night for it. I told Alfred you'd tell him that anybody would be put out, and nobody would think of minding what he said.' 'Nobody, especially so kind a sister, ' said Mr. Cope, smiling; 'but that is not what Alfred is thinking of.' 'No, Sir, ' said Alfred, ' their being so good to me makes it all the worse.' 'I quite believe so, and you are very much disappointed in yourself.' 'O yes, Sir, just when I wanted to be getting patient, and more like--' and his eyes turned to the little picture, and filled with tears. Mr. Cope said somewhat of what his mother had said, that he was but a scholar in patience, and that he must take courage, though he had slipt, and pray for new strengthening and refreshing to go on in the path of pain his Lord had hallowed for him. Perhaps the words reminded Alfred of the part of the catechism where they occur, for he said, ' O, I wish I was confirmed f I could but take the Holy Sacrament to make me stronger, and sure of being forgiven--' 'You shall--before--' said Mr. Cope, speaking eagarly, but becoming choked as he went on. 'You are one whom the Church would own as ready and desirous to come, though you cannot be confirmed. You should at once--but you see I am not yet a priest; I have not the power to administer the Holy Communion, but I trust I shall be one in the spring, and then, Alfred--Or if you should be worse, I promise you that I would bring someone here. You shall not go without the Bread of Life.' Alfred felt what he said to the depths of...