"The little one held her hand, saying:
"'I am five years old to-day. Shake hands with me, Mr. ----I do not
know your name. Every one shakes hands and kisses me to-day.'
"The youth clasped the dear little hand (held forth with the sweet
innocence of childhood and combined with a dignity well worthy of a
maid of twenty), and pressed on it a pure kiss, at the same time
breathing to himself the vow that, with God's blessing and help, to
win such a position that should enable him to seek and know this child
in her home. To try and make himself worthy of her; to win her love,
and in years to come to have her as his 'guardian angel' through life.
"Often he would get a glimpse of her at the window or the door, this
giving him encouragement to work on.
"Another year he was taken as assistant in the primary department of
the academy, this giving him a small income.
"In two more years he had graduated with the highest honors.
"His mind had been determined in favor of the law. His most ardent
wish to get in the office and read with the father of 'his little
love,' then a very distinguished lawyer.
"This desire he made known to Dr. Perry, who readily encouraged it,
saying:
"'I have no doubt, George, that you can succeed, backed by such
letters as we can give you.
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