Willie’s Plans Bud. 197

 

again into his own old room, for Agnes slept in a
little closet off her mother’s, and much preferred
that to a larger and more solitary room for herself.
His mother especially was glad to have him under
the same roof once more at night. But Willie felt
that something ought to be done with the room he
had left in the ruins, for nothing ought to be al-
lowed to spoil by uselessness. He did not, how-
ever, see for some time to what he could turn it.

I need hardly say that he kept up all his old
friendships. No day passed while he was at home
without his going to see some one of his former
companions—Mr Willett, or Mr Spelman, or Mr
Wilson. For Hector, he went to see him oftenest of
all, he being his favourite, and sickly, and therefore
in most need of attention. But he greatly improved
his acquaintance with William Webster; and al-
though he had now so much to occupy him, would
not be satisfied until he was able to drive the
shuttle, and work the treadles and the batten, -
and, in short, turn out almost as good a bit of
linen as William himself—only he wanted about
twice as much time to it.

One day, going in to see Hector, he found him in
bed and very poorly.

“My shoemaking is nearly over, Mr Willie)’ he
said. “But I don’t mind much;I’m sure to finda
corner in the general business ready for me some-
where when I’m not wanted here any more.”