t that I complain--but what with societies, and my
machine, and tenants refusing to pay their rents on the principle that
the farms are no more mine than theirs, which I admit to be true, I have
had some difficulty in meeting all demands."

"The Governor was right," thought Jack, who now inquired after Dr
Middleton.

"Ah, poor silly man! he's alive yet--I believe doing well. He is one
who will interfere with the business of others, complains of my
servants--very silly man indeed--but I let him have his own way. So I
did your poor mother. Silly woman, Mrs Easy--but never mind that."

"If you please, sir, I have also a complaint to make of the servants for
their insolence to me: but we will adjourn, if you please, as I wish to
have some refreshment."

"Certainly, Jack, if you are hungry; I will go with you. Complain of my
servants, say you?--there must be some mistake--they are all shaved, and
wear wigs, and I put them in the machine every other morning; but I mean
to make an alteration in one respect. You observe, Jack, it requires
more dignity: we must raise the whole machinery some feet, ascend it
with state as a throne, for it is the throne of reason, the victory of
mind over nature."

"As you please, sir; but I am really hungry just now."

Jack and his father went into the drawing-room and rang the bell; not
being answered, Jack rose and rang again.

"My dear sir," observed Mr Easy, "you must not be in a hurry; every man
naturally provides for his own wants first, and afterwards for those of
others. Now my servants--"

"Are a set of insolent scoundrels, sir, and insolence I never permit. I
knocked one down as I entered your house, and, with your permission, I
will discharge two, at least, to-morrow."

"My dear son," exclaimed Mr Easy, "you knocked my servant down!--are
you not aware by the laws of equality--"

"I am aware of this, my dear father," replied Jack, "that by all the
laws of society we have a right to expect civility and obedience from
those we pay and feed."

"Pay and feed! Why, my dear son--my dear Jack--you must recollect--"

"I recollect, sir, very well; but if your servants do not come to their
recollection in a very short time, either I or they must quit the
house."

"But, my dear boy, have you forgotten the principles I instilled into
you? Did you not go to sea to obtain that equality foiled by tyranny
and despotism here on shore? Do you not acknowledge and support my
phil