Francis stood like a marble statue, as pale and still; till, bursting into tears, he recovered himself.
"Oh! my good mamma," said he; "what will she say when she hears of this misfortune?
But she need not know it, papa," added he, after a pause; "it would distress her too much; and if you and my brothers will help me, we will repair the damage before she can walk.

The plants may not be so large; but the earth is moist, and they will grow quickly, and I will work hard to get it into order." I embraced my dear boy, and promised him this should be our first work.
I feared we should have many other disasters to repair; but a child of twelve years old gave me an example of resignation and courage.

We agreed to come next day to begin our labour, for the garden was too well situated for me to abandon it.

It was on a gentle declivity, at the foot of the rocks, which sheltered it from the north wind, and was conveniently watered from the cascade.

I resolved to add a sort of bank, or terrace, to protect it from the violent rains; and Francis was so pleased with the idea, that he began to gather the large stones which were scattered over the garden, and to carry them to the place where I wished to build my terrace.