Frederick's Gratitude. 61

become realities, and have not proved empty
dreams.’

As Mr. Kartmann was reading the letter, his
pale face became paler and paler, his hands
more trembling; his features plainly showed
extreme agitation, whilst he was passing as it
were from the depths of despair to unlooked-for
happiness. When he had read the letter he
looked at Fred, his eyes moistened with tears.

‘No; itis not an empty dream, thanks be to
God for His mercy,’ said he. ‘A great lesson
may be learned from your example, Fred, that
religion and piety, instead of being, as some
worldly persons falsely suppose, so many useless
things in the way of success in business,—I may
add, in life.—are tn reality so many necessary
things in order to make this success a real and
happy one. Our blessed Lord and Saviour has
said for our instruction: “For what is a man
profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and
lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in
exchange for his soul?” (Matt. xvi. 26.) Your
trust in your Saviour, and your good conduct,
Fred, have brought their reward even in this
world, as they were sure sooner or later to do.’

Then, rising from his seat in one of the
moments of great emotion, which even a calm,