ance.
Alfred Hurdlestone would have made a good soldier, but, unfortunately
for him, there were several valuable church-livings in the family; and
his father refused to provide for him in any other way. The young man's
habits and inclinations being at war with the sacred profession chosen
for him, he declined entering upon holy orders, which so enraged his
father, that he forbade him the house; and at his death, left him a
small life-annuity, sufficient with economy to keep him from starvation,
but not enough to maintain him respectably without some profession.

For several years, Alfred Hurdlestone depended upon the generosity of a
rich maternal uncle, who gave him the run of the house, and who left him
at his death a good legacy. This the ne'er-do-well soon ran through, and
finding himself in middle life, destitute of funds and friends, he
consented for a trifling salary to superintend the education of his
brother's children.

It was impossible for the Squire to have chosen a more injudicious
instructor for his sons--a man, who in not one instance of his life had
ever regulated his actions by the common rules of prudence. He possessed
talents without judgment, and was kind-hearted without principle; and
though a general favorite with all classes, was respected by none.
Having passed much of his time on the continent of Europe, he had
acquired an ease and courtesy of manner, which rendered him quite an
acquisition to the country drawing-room, where he settled all matters
of fashion and etiquette, to the general satisfaction of the ladies; and
in spite of his reduced circumstances and dependent situation, he was
warmly welcomed by all the mammas in the parish. They knew him to be a
confirmed old bachelor, and they trusted their daughters with him
without a thought that any mis-alliance could take place. Mr. Alfred was
such a dear, good, obliging creature! He talked French with the girls,
and examined the Latin exercises of the boys, and arranged all the
parties and pic-nics in the neighborhood; and showed such a willingness
to oblige, that he led people to imagine that he was receiving, instead
of conferring a favor. His cheerful temper, agreeable person, and
well-cultivated mind, rendered him the life and soul of the Hall;
nothing went on well without him. His occupations were various--his
tasks never ended; he read prayers--instructed the young gentlemen--shot
game for the larder, and supplied the cook with fish--had