He is a natural son of Edward's, whom I educate for the profession out of charity." "An act of benevolence hardly to be expected from you," said Sir Alexander with a provoking sneer.

"I suppose you expect to get the interest for your kindness out of the lad ?" "Why, yes! He has excellent abilities, and might do much for himself, but is too like the father, but with this difference, Edward was good-natured and careless to a fault; this boy is haughty and petulant, with the unmanageable obstinacy and self-will of old Geoffrey.

He is not grateful for the many obligations he owes to me, and gives me frequent cause to regret that I ever adopted him into my family." "When you are tired of him," said Sir Alexander, carelessly, "you may turn him over to me.

I am sure I could make something of him." "You are not in earnest ?" in a tone of surprise.
"Never more so." A long silence ensued.

My hand trembled with indignation.