Its expression so dead, so joyless, sent a chill through my whole frame, and I shrank from encountering its icy gaze, and was about quietly to retire by a back door, when my attention was arrested by the following brief conversation.
"'I should like to see the lad.' "'We expect him home from school by the coach to-night.' "'What age is he ?' "'Just sixteen.' "'What does Sir Alexander mean to do for him ?' "'Send him to college, I believe.

He is very fond of him.' "'Humph!--and then to London to make a lawyer of him.

Leave him to me, Dinah, I will make a solicitor of him in earnest.

I have taught many a bold heart and reckless hand to solicit the charity of others.' "'Devil doubt you!' rejoined the fiend with a hollow, cackling laugh.
'But you may find the boy one too many for you, with all your cunning.
He'll not start at shadows, nor stumble over straws.

I have tamed many a proud spirit in my day, but this boy defies my power.