William was always considered as more peculiarly their charge, and each time he came home, while in the school, he was well clothed by Mrs. Rawlinson, in remembrance of the service he had done her son. All their interest was also exerted to get his sister Lucy into the Asylum, who, from the instructions he had given her when at home in the vacations, was much forwarder in her education when she went there, than he was; and at her return from it, she was able to get her living by needlework. Most of her employment is in Mrs. Rawlinson's family,and those to whom she recommends her. William works as a journeyman cabinet-maker and upholsterer, having now perfectly learned the trade; and is enabled to add greatly to the comforts of his family, as well as procure for himself every necessary of life. Jacob Goodyer also set up the trade of shoe-making when he returned home, and, as his delighted father had said, was employed by the whole parish. These young men retain a particular friendship for each other; and no pleasing occurrence which happens to one, is half so gratifying, if not shared by the other. The part which they take in each other's feelings, can only be compared to that interest, which men, belonging to the samesociety, feel for each other in a distant country, where, though they may meet with attention and kindness from the inhabitants of it, they are still considered as strangers, and the union among themselves is strengthened by it.
His youngest brother has a particular claim to William's attention; and Mr. Beaufort, who has by no means forsaken the family, promises to use his interest in assisting him, as he already has his brother and sister; but so many are the candidates on the list at present, whose circumstances are still more distressing[A], that unless the fund increasesso as to admit a larger number, Mrs. Goldsmith herself can hardly wish his success, when she reflects what must be the feelings of many of those mothers, who have travelled more than once or twice to town with their children, and received the severe disappointment of their not being admitted from want of room. Such, the author knows, has been the case of many; and again she recommends it to her readers to consider whether it is not in their power to add a small sum—if ever so little,thatwillingly, and regularly bestowed, might at least saveoneof these anxious mothers another disappointment. Would every one who reads this book, but ask their acquaintance to join their little to their own,(supposing it was only what they would spend one morning in the week at the pastry-cook's,) this added together would make no inconsiderable sum in the list of donations; and a lasting benefit would accrue to their unfortunate fellow-creatures of the same age, and with the same feelings as themselves, and who, like them, have to pass through this world, perhaps to spend many years in it. But, alas! unless the advantage of this charity be extended to them, these years must be spent in sorrow, or unmeaning cheerfulness, and without the means of improvement, either to the mind or body.
FOOTNOTES:[A]See the list at the end, copied from the account of this charity.
[A]See the list at the end, copied from the account of this charity.
[A]See the list at the end, copied from the account of this charity.
"In order to acquaint the public with the unfortunate condition of these mute supplicants of benevolence, a few of the cases now in the Asylum are subjoined.
"Catherine Griffith, father an ironmonger, with nine children.
"William Jones, father a labourer, with four children; two deaf and dumb.
"John Clucas, mother a widow, with seven children.
"Ann Byford, mother a widow and washerwoman, with three children; one a cripple.
"Thomas Ryley, father a collier, with six children; two deaf and dumb.
"Thomas Pricket, father a small farmer, with six children; two deaf and dumb.
"Elizabeth Redhead, one of seven orphan children.
"Eliza Hemsley, father a watch-maker, with six children.
"Ambrose Davis, father a journeyman cotton-spinner, with eight children.
"Ann Elizabeth Caulfield, father a music engraver, with eight children; two deaf and dumb.
"Jane Minter, father a baker, with six children; two deaf and dumb.
"Martha Pearce, mother a poor spinner, with two children; both deaf and dumb.
"Elizabeth Bright, father a lime-burner, with nine children.
"William Arnold, mother a widow in great poverty, with four children.
"Robert Smith, parents poor, with three children; two deaf and dumb.
"Ann Jones, father a poor carpenter, with two children; both deaf and dumb.
"Wharton Rye, father a mariner, with two children; both deaf and dumb.
"W. E. Cherry, mother a widow, with five children; two deaf and dumb."
Darton, Harvey, and Co. Printers, Gracechurch-street.
Transcriber's notes:Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible.The following is a list of changes made to the original. The first line is the original line, the second the corrected one.Smilesonce oncemore appeared inSmilesoncemore appeared inpressing an invitation. The placesopressing an invitation. The placehave, for him to go," said the kind-hearted-boy;have, for him to go," said the kind-hearted boy;speak atlast?"Well, if I lose somespeak atlast?Well, if I lose sometaken great careof ofthe young gentleman,taken great careofthe young gentleman,
Transcriber's notes:
Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully as possible.
The following is a list of changes made to the original. The first line is the original line, the second the corrected one.
Smilesonce oncemore appeared inSmilesoncemore appeared in
pressing an invitation. The placesopressing an invitation. The place
have, for him to go," said the kind-hearted-boy;have, for him to go," said the kind-hearted boy;
speak atlast?"Well, if I lose somespeak atlast?Well, if I lose some
taken great careof ofthe young gentleman,taken great careofthe young gentleman,