k God it was not an
Irishman), was a better poet than Ovid; the company were of course
horrified; the archdeacon, who is seventy years of age, and has 7000
pounds a year, took snuff and turned away. Mrs. S--- turned up her eyes,
Mr. S---, however, told me with his usual good-nature (I suppose to spare
my feelings) that he rather enjoyed the thing, and thought it a capital
joke."

"I think so too," said my mother.

"I do not," said my father; "that a boy of his years should entertain an
opinion of his own--I mean one which militates against all established
authority--is astounding; as well might a raw recruit pretend to offer an
unfavourable opinion on the manual and platoon exercise; the idea is
preposterous; the lad is too independent by half. I never yet knew one
of an independent spirit get on in the army; the secret of success in the
army is the spirit of subordination."

"Which is a poor spirit after all," said my mother; "but the child is not
in the army."

"And it is well for him that he is not," said my father; "but you do not
talk wisely, the world is a field of battle, and he who leaves the ranks,
what can he expect but to be cut down? I call his present behaviour
leaving the ranks, and going vapouring about without orders; his only
chance lies in falling in again as quick as possible; does he think he
can carry the day by himself? an opinion of his own at these years! I
confess I am exceedingly uneasy about the lad."

["I am not," said my mother; "I have no doubt that Providence will take
care of him."

"I repeat that I am exceedingly uneasy," said my father; "I can't help
being so, and would give my largest piece of coin to know what kind of
part he will play in life."

"Such curiosity is blamable," said my mother, "highly so. Let us leave
these things to Providence, and hope for the best; but to wish to pry
into the future, which is hidden from us, and wisely too, is mighty
wicked. _Tempt not Providence_. I early contracted a dread of that sin.
When I was only a child, something occurred connected with diving into
the future, which had, I hope, a salutary effect on my subsequent
conduct. The fright which I got then, I shall never forget. But it is
getting dark, and we had better go into the house."

"We are well enough here," said my father; "go on with your discourse.
You were speaking of tempting Providence, and of having been frightened."

"It was a long time ago," said my mother, "wh