'Parson,' said the knight, 'what is the matter ?--how dost find my son?
I hope he won't turn out a ninny, and disgrace his family ?' The doctor, wiping the sweat from his forehead, replied, with some hesitation, 'he could not tell--he hoped the best--the squire was to be sure a very extraordinary young gentleman.'-- But the father urging him to give an explicit answer, he frankly declared, that, in his opinion, the son would turn out either a mirror of wisdom, or a monument of folly; for his genius and disposition were altogether preternatural.

The knight was sorely vexed at this declaration, and signified his displeasure by saying, the doctor, like a true priest, dealt in mysteries and oracles, that would admit of different and indeed contrary interpretations.

He afterwards consulted my father, who had served as a steward upon the estate for above thirty years, and acquired a considerable share of his favour.

'Will Clarke,' said he, with tears in his eyes, 'what shall I do with this unfortunate lad?
I would to God he had never been born; for I fear he will bring my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave.

When I am gone, he will throw away the estate, and bring himself to infamy and ruin, by keeping company with rooks and beggars .-- O Will! I could forgive extravagance in a young man; but it breaks my heart to see my only son give such repeated proofs of a mean spirit and sordid disposition!' "Here the old gentleman shed a flood of tears, and not without some shadow of reason.