s, revered by the young
and applauded by the old, there were to be found certain austere critics
who held that, for themselves, the character of Andrew presented the
more chaste ideal. Exemplary though his father's life had been (up to
that fatal illness), there was always a latent vein of geniality in his
character, a reminiscence of good living in his ruddy countenance, a
brightness in his eye, that suggested possibilities; and even a
possibility might conceivably, under certain circumstances, given this
and that--well, it might be safer away. Whereas Andrew's pale round
cheeks and solemn aspect were as reassuring as a plate of porridge.

These pioneers of criticism were thought extremists six months ago; now,
they had all respectable society at their back. Of course it was never a
point in a man's favor that his father (or indeed any relative) could
run amuck as Andrew's had done. On the other hand, he had so promptly
and fearlessly plucked out the parent who offended him, and behaved,
moreover, through all this tribulation with such becoming solemnity,
that he very soon began rather to gain than to lose by his martyrdom.
Each step he took was discretion itself. His father, people learnt, had
been quietly removed to a retreat for the mentally infirm, situated,
some said in Devonshire, and others in North Wales. The very ambiguity
on this point was highly approved. It argued the perfection of prudence.
As for the ungrateful girl who had jilted him, he had talked at
considerable length to his friends on that subject, and they reported
that, though naturally grieved, and even offended, by her conduct, he
was nevertheless able to express in a calm voice many Christian
sentiments; frequently, for instance, assuring his audience that he
forgave her, and that if she preferred to stew in her own juice he was
too much of a gentleman to interfere with her pleasure. At this rate, it
was recognized that very soon nothing the Goddess of Mediocrity could
offer would be beyond his reach. She had many worshipers, but
unquestionably Andrew Walkingshaw looked like her favorite.

He himself was modestly disposed to agree with this opinion. Really,
the success of his prompt procedure had been remarkable. From his two
sensible married sisters he had never anticipated trouble, and they had
loyally fulfilled his expectations. With both he held private
consultations, and each accepted his version of the facts without a
single unnecessary o