He could read tolerably, and write a little. My
aunt was of the opinion that notwithstanding his peculiarities, he was
possessed of good common sense, and would make good progress in study if
he had any one to render him the necessary assistance. I at once offered
to assist him in his studies, and proposed to him that he should spend a
portion of the long evenings in study. He seemed at the first to be
somewhat startled by my proposition; but, seeing that I was in earnest,
gladly consented, and forthwith commenced his studies. My aunt cautioned
me about laughing, if he should chance to make comical blunders; and it
was well that she did so, for some of his blunders were laughable in the
extreme; but "forewarned is forearmed." After a time I learned that he
really possessed an intellect of no mean order. He soon made rapid
progress in study. He seemed fully to appreciate the pains I took in
teaching him, and endeavored, by many little acts of kindness, to show
his gratitude to me.
Soon after my arrival, my aunt, one day, said to me,--
"I hope you will feel happy with us; for I wish you to consider our
house as your home for the future. You know not," she continued, "how
glad I am of your company, and how your presence cheers us; we will
gladly adopt you as our daughter, if you can be happy with us.
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