after his old pet, and was surprised and
exasperated to find the bird flown, and taken by the hand by a man for
whom he had a great personal antipathy; who had ever opposed him in
politics, and had twice carried an election against him.

"There was enough of revenge in my composition to feel glad that Sir
Alexander was annoyed at my good-fortune.

"The next year saw me at college, with a handsome allowance from my
generous patron, to enable me to establish my claims as a gentleman. I
will pass over the three years I spent at this splendid abode of
learning and science.

"The gratitude I felt for all Mr. Mornington had done for me, for a
long time restrained me from indulging in the wild excesses which
disgraced the conduct of most of the young men with whom I associated.
This reluctance, however, to do and countenance evil, gradually wore
off, and I became as wild and dissipated as my companions.

"I formed many agreeable acquaintances at college, but had only one who
really deserved the name of a friend. Kind, gentle and studious,
Cornelius Laurie (for so I shall call him) mingled very little with his
fellow students: his health being delicate, he spent most of his
leisure hours in walking, an exercise of which he was particularly
fond, and in which generally participated.

"His mild, intelligent countenance first won my regard. I sought his
acquaintance, found him easy of access, friendly and communicative, and
always anxious to oblige every one as far as lay in his power.
Commanding an excellent income, he was always ready to assist the
improvident who had expended theirs, and with such a disposition, you
may be certain that the calls upon his purse were by no means few. He
formed a strong attachment to me, and we usually spent most of our time
together.

"Cornelius invited me to pass the Christmas vacation with him in town.
When at home he resided with his aunt, a widow lady who had brought up
his only sister, who had been left an orphan at a very early age.
Charlotte Laurie was several years younger than her brother; and in
speaking of her he had always told me that she was a very pretty girl,
but I was not prepared to behold the beautiful and fascinating creature
to whom I was introduced.

"Charlotte Laurie was a child of nature, without display or
affectation; conscious of her great personal attractions only so far as
to render her more agreeable--for what beautiful woman was ever
ignorant of her charms?