CHAPTER XVII.
HARRISON FINDS A FRIEND IN NEED.
"During my residence at school in York, my master was often visited by a wealthy merchant who bore the same name with myself.

This man was an old bachelor, very eccentric, but universally esteemed as one of the most benevolent of men.

He was present at one of the school examinations in which I took many prizes, and asking my name he found out that he was related to my father, and bestowed upon me many marks of favour, such as presenting me with useful books, and often asking me over to his house to dine, or spend the evening.
"Flattered by his attentions to me, I had lost no opportunity of increasing our friendship, and I determined to apply to him in my present distress.
"I was a perfect novice in the art of letter-writing, never having penned an epistle in my life, and after making several attempts with which I was perfectly disgusted, I determined to walk over to the city and make my application in person to Mr.Mornington.
"Without communicating my intentions to Alice, I carefully tied up a change of linen in a silk handkerchief, and with the mighty sum of five shillings in my pocket, commenced my pedestrian journey of thirty odd miles.
"I started in the morning by day-break, and without meeting with any particular adventures on the road, I arrived at six o'clock in the evening, foot-sore and weary at the rich man's door.

When there, my heart, which had been as stout as a lion's on the road, failed me, and I sat down upon the broad stone steps that led up to the house, sorely depressed and uncertain what course to take.
"This I knew would not do: the night was coming on, and the rain, which had threatened all day, now began to fall fast.

Making a desperate effort, I sprang up the steps, and gave a gentle knock, so gentle that it was unheard; and unable to summon sufficient courage to repeat the experiment, I resumed my seat until some more fortunate applicant should seek admittance.
"Not many minutes elapsed before the quick loud rap of the postman brought Mrs.Jolly, the housekeeper, to the door; and edging close to him of the red jacket, I asked in a tremulous voice--'If Mr.Mornington was at home ?' "'Why, dearee me, master Philip, is that you ?' said the kind woman, elevating her spectacles: 'who would have thought of seeing you t'night ?' "'Who, indeed! But, my dear Mrs.Jolly, is Mr.Mornington disengaged, and can I see him ?' "'He is t'home, and you can speak to him, but not just now.