He's like his grandfather, and if I mistake not, will be just as obstinate and self-sustained." "A true Moncton," returned his companion, a coarse-featured, vulgar-looking man, with a weak, undecided, but otherwise kindly countenance.

"You will not be able to bend that young one to your purpose." A bitter smile was the reply, and a fixed stare from those terribly bright eyes.
"Poor child! He's very unfortunate," continued the same speaker.

"I pity him from my very soul!" He placed his large hand kindly upon my head, and drawing me between his knees held up my face and kissed me with an air of parental tenderness.

Touched by the unexpected caress, I clasped my arms about his neck, and hid my face in his bosom.

He flung himself into a large chair, and lifted me upon his knee.
"You seem to have taken a fancy to the boy," said my uncle, in the same sarcastic tone.