We wish to present you some testimonial of the regard
which we have for you, and accordingly ask your acceptance of
this copy of 'Abbott's Life of Napoleon.' We should have been
glad to give you something more valuable, but we are sure you
will value the gift for other reasons than its cost."
Here Charles Reynolds sat down, and all eyes were turned toward
Mr. Morton. It was evident that he was taken by surprise. It was
equally evident that he was much gratified by this unexpected
token of regard.
He rose and with much feeling spoke as follows:
"My dear boys, for you must allow me to call you so, I can hardly
tell you how much pleasure your kind gift has afforded me. It
gives me the assurance, which indeed, I did not need, that you
are as much my friends as I am yours. The connection between us
has afforded me much pleasure and satisfaction. In training you
to duties which patriotism may hereafter devolve upon you, though
I pray Heaven that long before that time our terrible civil
strife may be at an end, I feel that I have helped you to do
something to show your loyal devotion to the country which we all
love and revere.
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