in many points exceedingly unlike; but in
feature they resembled each other so closely, that, but for the color of
their hair, it had been difficult to distinguish them. In their beds, and
when their heads were covered with those vast, ribboned nightcaps, which
our great and little ancestors wore, it was scarcely possible for any but
a nurse or a mother to tell the one from the other child.

11. Howbeit, alike in form, we have said that they differed in temper. The
elder was peaceful, studious, and silent; the younger was warlike and
noisy. He was quick at learning when he began, but very slow at beginning.
No threats of the ferule would provoke Harry to learn in an idle fit, or
would prevent George from helping his brother in his lesson. Harry was of
a strong military turn, drilled the little negroes on the estate, and
caned them like a corporal, having many good boxing matches with them, and
never bearing malice if he was worsted;--whereas George was sparing of
blows, and gentle with all about him.

12. As the custom in all families was, each of the boys had a special
little servant assigned him: and it was a known fact that George, finding
his little wretch of a blackamoor asleep on his master's bed, sat down
beside it, and brushed the flies off the child with a feather fan, to the
horror of old Gumbo, the child's father, who found his young master so
engaged, and to the indignation of Madam Esmond, who ordered the young
negro off to the proper officer for a whipping. In vain George implored
and entreated--burst into passionate tears, and besought a remission of
the sentence. His mother was inflexible regarding the young rebel's
punishment, and the little negro went off beseeching his young master not
to cry.

13. On account of a certain apish drollery and humor which exhibited
itself in the lad, and a liking for some of the old man's pursuits, the
first of the twins was the grandfather's favorite and companion, and would
laugh and talk out all his infantine heart to the old gentleman, to whom
the younger had seldom a word to say.

14. George was a demure, studious boy, and his senses seemed to brighten
up in the library, where his brother was so gloomy. He knew the books
before he could well-nigh carry them, and read in them long before he
could understand them. Harry, on the other hand, was all alive in the
stables or in the wood, eager for all parties of hunting and fishing, and
promised to be a good sportsman