them abroad; the cotton hung in pods
upon the tree, the silkworm spun its yellow tomb, all the process of
manufacture was explained. The loom again was worked by fancy, until
the article in comment was again produced.

Thus was Amber instructed and amused; and thus, with nature for his
hornbook, and art for his primer, did the little parlour of Edward
Forster expand into "the universe."

VOLUME TWO, CHAPTER SEVEN.

"They boast
Their noble birth; conduct us to the tombs
Of their forefathers, and from age to age
Ascending, trumpet to their illustrious race."
COWPER.

Devoted as he was to the instruction of his adopted child, Edward
Forster was nevertheless aware that more was required in the education
of a female than he was competent to fulfil. Many and melancholy were
his reveries on the forlorn prospects of the little girl (considering
his own precarious life and the little chance that appeared of restoring
her to her friends and relations), still he resolved that all that could
should be done; the issue he left to Providence. That she might not be
cast wholly unknown upon the world, in case of his death, he had often
taken Amber to a neighbouring mansion, with the owner of which, Lord
Aveleyn, he had long been on friendly terms; although, until latterly,
he had declined mixing with the society which was there collected. Many
years before, the possessor had entered the naval service, and had,
during the few months that he had served in the capacity of midshipman,
been intrusted to the charge of Edward Forster.

It is a curious fact, although little commented upon, how much society
in general is affected by the entailment of property in aristocratical
families upon the male heir; we may add, how much it is demoralised.
The eldest son, accustomed from his earliest days to the flattery and
adulation of dependents, is impressed with but one single idea, namely,
that he is the fortunate person deputed by chance to spend so many
thousands per annum, and that his brothers and sisters, with equal
claims upon their parent, are to be almost dependent upon him for
support. Of this the latter are but too soon made conscious, by the
difference of treatment which they experience from those around them;
and feelings of envy and ill-will towards their eldest brother are but
too often the result of such inequality. Thus one of the greatest
charms of life, unity between brethren, is destroyed.

The possesso