to be loved; and those who enjoyed his confidence never wished to
transfer their good will to his dashing cousin. He loved a few dear
friends, but he shrunk from a crowd, and never cared to make many
acquaintances. He soon formed a strong attachment to his uncle; the love
which nature meant for his father was lavished with prodigality on this
beloved relative, who cherished for his adopted son the most tender
regard.

He loved the mocking, laughter-loving, mischievous Godfrey, who
delighted to lay all his naughty tricks and devilries upon his quiet
cousin; while he considered himself as his patron and protector, and
often gave himself great airs of superiority. For the sake of peace,
Anthony often yielded a disputed point to his impetuous companion,
rather than awaken his turbulent temper into active operation. Yet he
was no coward--on the contrary, he possessed twice the moral courage of
his restless playmate; but a deep sense of gratitude to his good uncle,
for the blessed change he had effected in his situation, pervaded his
heart, and influenced all his actions.

CHAPTER VII.

The weary heart may mourn
O'er the wither'd hopes of youth,
But the flowers so rudely shorn
Still leave the seeds of truth.

J.W.D. Moodie.

And years glided on. The trials of school, and all its joyous pastimes
and short-lived sorrows, were over, and the cousins returned to spend
the long-looked for and happy vacation at home. The curly-headed
rosy-cheeked boys had expanded into fine tall lads of sixteen; blithe
of heart, and strong of limb, full of the eager hopes and
never-to-be-realized dreams of youth. With what delight they were
welcomed by the Colonel! With what pride he turned them round and round,
and examined the improvement in form and stature of the noble
boys--wondering at first which was Anthony, and which his own dear
mischievous rogue! They were so marvellously alike, that, seen at a
distance, he scarcely knew which to call his son. And then how
delightedly he listened to their laughing details of tricks and hoaxes,
served off upon cross masters and tyrannical ushers, laughing more
loudly than they, and suggesting improvements in mischievous pranks
already too mischievous! Poor Algernon! in spite of the increasing
infirmities of age, and the pressure of cares which his reckless
extravagance could not fail to produce, he was perfectly happy in the
company of these dear boys, and once more