As they went along, "Really," said he, "everything is in very bad case. This won't do. I see you are quite under it. All your stock and crops won't pay the rent in arrear. I will tell you what I must do. I must take the farm into my own hands. You shall look after it for me, and I will pay you your wages."
Of course, there was no saying nay. The poor man bowed assent.
Presently there came a reinforcement of stock, then loads of manure, at the proper time seed, and wood from the plantations for repairing gates and buildings. The duke rode over frequently. The man exerted himself, and seemed really quite relieved from a load of care by the change. Things speedily assumed a new aspect. The crops and stock flourished; fences and out-buildings were put into good order. In two or three rent-days it was seen by the steward's books that the farm was making its way. The duke on his next visit said—
"Well, John, I think the farm does very well now. We will change again. You shall once more be tenant, and, as you now have your head fairly above water, I hope you will be able to keep it there."
The duke rode off at his usual rapid rate. The man stood in astonishment; but a happy fellow he was when, on applying to the steward, he found that he was actually re-entered as tenant to the farm, just as it stood in its restored condition. We will venture to say, however, that the duke himself was the happier man of the two.
He that doeth good enriches his own heart with unspeakable blessings.
"Better a fountain in the heart
Than a fountain by the way."
W. H.