If his character had not been so grave and deliberate, his years would only have entitled him to be called a boy, for he was but eighteen at the time when he came to read with Mr.Ness.

But many men of five-and-twenty have not reflected so deeply as this young Mr.Corbet already had.

He had considered and almost matured his plan for life; had ascertained what objects he desired most to accomplish in the dim future, which is to many at his age only a shapeless mist; and had resolved on certain steady courses of action by which such objects were most likely to be secured.

A younger son, his family connections and family interest pre-arranged a legal career for him; and it was in accordance with his own tastes and talents.

All, however, which his father hoped for him was, that he might be able to make an income sufficient for a gentleman to live on.