He had a large family, and perhaps felt a paternal sympathy in my early introduction to the labours and cares of life.

He often commended my diligence, and mentioned me in very handsome terms to Mr.Moncton; but from that gentleman I never received a word of praise--weeks and months often passed without his speaking to me.

I was even debarred from spending with my dear aunt that blessed twilight-hour, which had proved the chief solace of my weary life.
Constant confinement to that close office preyed upon my health and spirits.

I became fretful and irritable, the colour left my cheeks, and my eyes looked dull and heavy.

The clerks, generally kind to me, all pitied me, though they dared not openly show their regard.