"Writing a composition, sir."
"And what shall you do with it when it is done?"
"Write my name at the bottom, sir, and give it to the master."
"Write mine, you mean, my boy. Don't you see that if you write down what I say, it will be my composition, not yours; and the master wont thank you for the job of correcting mine, I reckon. No, Warren, that's downright cheating, though I don't suppose you thought it."
"Come, boy!" said he, as the child began to cry, "there's no harm done yet. You're welcome to all my ideas, only put 'em into your own words. Isn't that it, wife?"
In this way, and under such discipline, Mary Jane, Warren, and John grew up to be an honor to their parents, and a blessing to all connected with them.
These worthy persons first formed the acquaintance of Mrs. Danforth at the time of her sore affliction. Mr. Cowles was one of the committee of the church to attend to similar cases of distress, and his kind consideration for her at that season had won her entire confidence and gratitude. They were, therefore, the first persons to whom she applied for advice, after leaving the house of Mrs. Haven, and it was with great willingness that they consented to her proposal to take Harrison into their family.
John Cowles was nearly Harrison's age, but not as fax advanced in his studies. This the latter much regretted, as he had just commenced Algebra, and found it taxed his intellectual powers to the utmost. Several times he was on the point of asking to be excused from this lesson, but the thought that his mother would be disappointed checked him. He knew if he were to ask her consent to this course, and tell her, "I can't understand it, mother," she would say, as she had often said before, "I know you don't, my dear. If you did, it would be unnecessary for you to attend school. That is the very object you go to school for, to learn to understand it."
Sometimes, however, Harrison puzzled a long time over the sum, because he did not understand the principle involved. Then Warren would come to his assistance, and explain the rule by which the result could be gained.
One special advantage which the boy derived from being in this family, was the privilege of attending, with his young friends, a course of public lectures on scientific subjects. While Mr. Cowles was exceedingly strict about many things, which he considered of hurtful, or even of doubtful tendency, he spared no expense within his means to afford them gratification in what he thought would be of permanent benefit. He even allowed them many innocent amusements.