1. Henry Bond was about ten years old when his father died. His mother
found it difficult to provide for the support of a large family, thus left
entirely in her care. By good management, however, she contrived to do so,
and also to send Henry, the oldest, to school, and to supply him, for the
most part, with such books as he needed.
2. At one time, however, Henry wanted a grammar, in order to join a class
in that study, and his mother could not furnish him with the money to buy
it. He was very much troubled about it, and went to bed with a heavy
heart, thinking what could be done.
3. On waking in the morning, he found that a deep snow had fallen, and the
cold wind was blowing furiously. "Ah," said he, "it is an ill wind that
blows nobody good."
4. He rose, ran to the house of a neighbor, and offered his service to
clear a path around his premises. The offer was accepted. Having completed
this work, and received his pay, he went to another place for the same
purpose, and then to another, until he had earned enough to buy a grammar.
5. When school commenced, Henry was in his seat, the happiest boy there,
ready to begin the lesson in his new book.
6. From that time, Henry, was always the first in all his classes. He knew
no such word as fail, but always succeeded in all he attempted. Having the
will, he always found the way.
DEFINITIONS.--l. Man'age-ment, manner of directing things. 2. Fur'nish, to
supply. 3. Fu'ri-ous-ly, violently. 4. Serv'ice, labor. Prem'i-ses,
grounds around a house.