which threw him out of the anticipated titles and
estates of my grandfather. It was indeed a house of mourning. My
mother's grief I respected, and tried all I could to console her; that
of my father was so evidently worldly, and so at variance with his
clerical profession, that I must acknowledge I felt more of anger at it
than sorrow. He had become morose and sullen, harsh to those around
him, and not so kind to my mother as her state of mind and health made
it his duty to be, even if inclination were wanted. He seldom passed
any portion of the day with her, and in the evening she went to bed very
early so that there was little communication between them. My sister
was a great consolation to her, and so I hope was I; she often said so,
as she embraced me, and the tears rolled down her cheeks, and I could
not help surmising that those tears were doubled from the coolness and
indifference, if not unkindness, with which my father behaved to her.
As for my sister, she was an angel; and as I witnessed her considerate
attentions to my mother, and the total forgetfulness of self which she
displayed (so different from my father, who was all self), I often
thought what a treasure she would prove to any man who was fortunate
enough to win her love. Such was the state of my family when I returned
to it.

I had been at home about a week, when one evening, after dinner, I
submitted to my father the propriety of trying to obtain my promotion.

"I can do nothing for you, Peter; I have no interest whatever," replied
he moodily.

"I do not think that much is required, sir," replied I; "my time will be
served on the 20th of next month. If I pass, which I trust I shall be
able to do, my name having been mentioned in the public despatches will
render it a point of no very great difficulty to obtain my commission at
the request of my grandfather."

"Yes, your grandfather might succeed, I have no doubt: but I think you
have little chance now in that quarter. My brother has a son, and we
are thrown out. You are not aware, Peter, how selfish people are, and
how little they will exert themselves for their relations. Your
grandfather has never invited me, since the announcement of my brother's
increase to his family. Indeed, I have never been near him, for I know
that it is of no use."

"I must think otherwise of Lord Privilege, my dear father, until your
opinion is confirmed by his own conduct. That I am not so much an
objec