How a Farthing Made a Fortune

Dick Nason is a ragged London child born into poverty, neglect, and drink, yet his love of flowers and his quick, wondering heart hint at a better nature struggling to emerge. Wandering Covent Garden Market in cast-off clothes, he seems an unlikely candidate for grace until a small theft of apples brings him face to face with old John Walters, a Bible-loving man whose kindness and plain speech awaken Dick's conscience. Over tea in Walters's tidy room, the boy hears of sin, repentance, heaven, and hell, returns what he stole, prays for the first time, and begins a new life of honesty, reading, churchgoing, and moral instruction. Walters nurtures him like a son, while Dick's honesty and eagerness win the notice of Sir John Tralaway, who sends him to Denham Court to work in the gardens. There Dick flourishes under Mr. Naylor, attends school, and studies Latin, though jealousy from a gardener's assistant threatens his good name. As Dick's parents sink further into ruin, Walters entrusts the boy's future to Sir John's care. Then, in a final act of generosity, Walters is secretly invited to the country house, and the reunion restores joy to both mentor and child. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.