"No, it is not so bad now, sir; I hardly knew how to bear it at first. But the Lord Jesus was with me all the time, and He helped me, sir."
"I am glad to hear you say that, Owen; it is a blessed thing to know that the Saviour is with His children at all times, under all circumstances, and we are very happy when we realise His presence."
"Yes, sir, I have had 'no sorrow' with it, though the suffering has been so great."
"You are changed, Owen; I think few at Westbrook would recognise you if they saw you now."
"No, sir, I daresay not. Will you tell me something about them all, please? It seems so long since I was there."
"No doubt it does, though to us things seem going on much as usual, except that we greatly miss your father, and his quiet influence for good. I have still got your things, Owen, but they are ready for you whenever you want them."
"I am afraid it will be a long time before I can have them, sir. There is no room to put them here, and I do not know when I shall be able to earn money enough to buy them back. I shall never win a fortune now, sir, as I used to wish to. I am afraid I shall always be a cripple."
"I don't think there is much fear of that. You are young, and the bones soon knit together again. I have no doubt you will be as strong as ever by-and-by, though of course it will take time. But as for your fortune, I thought you had already obtained a large part of it," said Mr. Sturt, smiling kindly at the pale young face.
A bright smile flushed all over it, as Owen replied, "So I have, sir, in one way. I have got the best fortune now, for I belong to the Saviour, and I know He will give me just what I need. Only I meant I could not earn any money for a long time."
"Then occupy this leisure time in seeking more of the heavenly riches, and though you may be poor yourself, you can make many rich by giving."