Bressant (to whom the professor had probably appeared to the full as peculiar as he to the professor), seeing signs of an approach to business in his action and attitude, tossed his book on the table, leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, and fixed his eyes directly upon the old gentleman's glasses.
"You seem to be in the habit of speaking your own mind freely, sir," observed the latter; "and I shall do the same, on this occasion at least I'm going to accept you as a pupil, and shall do my best for you; but you must understand it's by no means on your own account I do it.

As far as I have seen them, I don't like your principles, your beliefs, or your nature.

You're the last man I should pick out for a minister, or for any other responsible position.

In every respect, except intelligence and an unlimited confidence in yourself, you seem to me unfit to be trusted.

In training you for the ministry, I shall do it with the hope--not the expectation--of instilling into you some true and useful ideas and elevated thoughts.