CHAPTER II.
"And soothed with idle dreams the frowning fate."-- CRABBE.
"Why does not my father come back?
what a time he has been away!" "My dear Philip, business detains him; but he will be here in a few days--perhaps to-day!" "I should like him to see how much I am improved." "Improved in what, Philip ?" said the mother, with a smile.

"Not Latin, I am sure; for I have not seen you open a book since you insisted on poor Todd's dismissal." "Todd! Oh, he was such a scrub, and spoke through his nose: what could he know of Latin ?" "More than you ever will, I fear, unless--" and here there was a certain hesitation in the mother's voice, "unless your father consents to your going to school." "Well, I should like to go to Eton! That's the only school for a gentleman.

I've heard my father say so." "Philip, you are too proud."-- "Proud! you often call me proud; but, then, you kiss me when you do so.

Kiss me now, mother." The lady drew her son to her breast, put aside the clustering hair from his forehead, and kissed him; but the kiss was sad, and the moment after she pushed him away gently and muttered, unconscious that she was overheard: "If, after all, my devotion to the father should wrong the children!" The boy started, and a cloud passed over his brow; but he said nothing.
A light step entered the room through the French casements that opened on the lawn, and the mother turned to her youngest-born, and her eye brightened.
"Mamma! mamma! here is a letter for you.

I snatched it from John: it is papa's handwriting." The lady uttered a joyous exclamation, and seized the letter.