give himself airs. Quarrels and misunderstandings
had arisen so often, that he himself had been obliged to exert an
influence on his behalf, which he feared might make him obnoxious to
the accusation of partiality. He considered that the lad had worth,
substance, and promise far beyond his fellows; but his blunt, haughty
manners, impatience of rough jokes, and rude avoidance of the
unrefined, made him the object of their dislike, so that it was
probable that he would thrive much better abroad and in authority; and
at his age, he was more likely to adapt himself to circumstances, and
learn a new language, than an older man, more used to routine.

The vision of the land for digging gold and silver seemed about to be
realized, just as Tom had been growing learned enough to despise it.
Enterprise and hopes of fortune made him wild to go; and Mary after
reading Dobbs's letter, and laying before Louis the various temptations
of Lima, found that he thought England to the full as dangerous for his
protege. She, therefore, sent for the young man, and decided as
dispassionately as she could, upon taking him.

The Ormersfield world was extremely indignant; Frampton and Gervas
prophesied that no good would come of such a choice, and marvelled at
the Vicar, who gave the lad lodging in his house, and spent the
evenings in giving him such mathematical instruction and teaching of
other kinds, as he thought most likely to be useful to him.

To his surprise, however, Tom was much more grave and sober-minded
under his promotion than could have been expected. Louis, who had
undertaken his outfit, was almost disappointed to find him so much out
of heart, and so little responsive to cheerful auguries; and at last a
little hint at bantering about the individual at the Terrace explained
his despondence.

It was all over. Charlotte had hardly spoken to him while he was
waiting at No. 5, and Miss Faithfull's Martha had told him there had
been nothing but walking and talking with Lady Conway's fine butler,
and that Charlotte would never have nothing more to say to him! Now!
Just as he might have spoken! Was it not enough to knock the heart out
of it all! He never wished to go near No. 5 again.

Louis strongly advised him at least to know his fate, and declared that
for his part, he would never take any Mrs. Martha's word, rather than
that of the lady herself. Speak out, and, of course, Montrose's famous
motto came in, and was highl