against their insidious influences, and I shall trust
to his personal pride and good instincts to help him to withstand them
when he has to encounter them himself. Now, what do you think of my plan
for making a nobleman?"

"A very good one, with such a youth as your son, I should think, your
Grace; but I would like to make one more suggestion, if you would allow
me?"

"And that is?"

"That you should let him travel before he settles down. Choose some fit
person to accompany him. Let him have introductions to good people
abroad, and let him use them; then he will derive different impressions
from different countries, view men and women from different standpoints,
and enter gradually into the great world and station which he is some
day to adorn."

"I had thought of that myself, and his tutor has lately spoken to me a
good deal upon the subject. I must own it is an idea that commends
itself strongly to me. I will think it over. And now, sir, I must wish
you good-day. You will not let me thank you, as I should have wished,
for the service you have rendered my house, but, believe me, I am none
the less grateful. By the way, your name is not a common one. May I ask
if you have any relatives in this county?"

"Only one at present, I fancy--my father's brother, Sir William
Hatteras, of Murdlestone, in the New Forest."

"Ah! I never met him. I knew his brother James very well in my younger
days. But he got into sad trouble, poor fellow, and was obliged to fly
the country."

"You are speaking of my father. You knew him?"

"Knew him? indeed, I did. And a better fellow never stepped; but, like
most of us in those days, too wild--much too wild! And so you are
James's son? Well, well! This is indeed a strange coincidence. But, dear
me, I am forgetting; I must beg your pardon for speaking so candidly of
your father."

"No offence, I'm sure."

"And pray tell me where my old friend is now?"

"Dead, your Grace! He was drowned at sea."

The worthy old gentleman seemed really distressed at this news. He shook
his head, and I heard him murmur: "Poor Jim! Poor Jim!"

Then, turning to me again, he took my hand.

"This makes our bond a doubly strong one. You must let me see more of
you! How long do you propose remaining in England?"

"Not very much longer, I fear. I am already beginning to hunger for the
South again."

"Well, you must not go before you have paid us a visit. Remember we
shall always be pleased to see you