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never anything of harshness or unkindness in his treatment of his son. As time went on, he was increasingly absorbed in the philanthropic labours to which he had devoted himself. But the boy was never allowed to run wild. Careful provision was made for his training and education; and a review of the dates of the father's several journeys suggests that he often timed them so as to be at home for the holidays, and that he was anxious, when possible, to remain at Cardington, until his son was safely despatched again to school.

We can well believe that the childhood of young Howard, like that of many another motherless boy, with a father immersed in occupations which perpetually took him away from home, must have been a lonely one. But there is no sort of reason to imagine that it was rendered unhappy by any lack of natural affection, or want of proper care on the part of the surviving parent.

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CHAPTER IV

HOWARD'S EARLY INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE

CONDITION OF PRISONS

Appointed High Sheriff of Bedford-Discoveries as to Treatment of Prisoners-Practical Efforts to remove Hardships-A New Career-Burke's Panegyric-Cowper's Lines on Howard-Method of Travelling-Proceedings in Parliament-Howard before the House of CommonsA new Subject of Inquiry-Howard a Candidate for Parliament-Foreign Tours-Attempts to gain Admission to the Bastile-Letter from Abroad-Further Tours -Howard at Warrington-Publication of The State of Prisons-Description of the Work.

O far there has been nothing remarkable in

Sfoward's life. His desire has been to "sit

down at home in peace," and to lead a "comfortable, useful, and honourable life." He realised his duty as a landlord far better than the great majority of country squires of his day, but that was all. He was now in his forty-sixth year, and there seemed every prospect that he would settle down permanently to a quiet life at Cardington,

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