the spider and the butterfly were the same. This we may know by
the manner in which they are respectively destroyed. The boy, with much
precaution and an aversion he does not seek to disguise in his attempts
on the spider, employs his shoe or a stick for the purpose of slaughter.
But, with the butterfly, the case is altogether different. He first
catches, and does not fear to hold it in his hand. He inspects it
closely, and proceeds to analyze that which his young thought has
already taught him is a beautiful creation of the insect world. He
strips it, wing by wing of its gaudy covering; and then, with a feeling
of ineffable scorn, that so wealthy a noble should go unarmed and
unprotected, he dashes him to the ground, and terminates his sufferings
without further scruple. The spider, having a sting, he is compelled to
fear, and consequently taught to respect. The feelings are all perfectly
natural, however, which prompt his proceedings. The curiosity is common
and innate which impels him to the inspection of the insect; and that
feeling is equally a natural impulse which prompts him to the death of
the spider without hesitation. So with me--it is enough that I hate this
boy, though possessed of numberless attractions of mind and person.
Shall I do him the kindness to inquire whether there be reason for the
mood which prompts me to destroy him?"

"You were always too much for me, Guy, at this sort of argument, and you
talk the matter over ingeniously enough, I grant; but still I am not
satisfied, that a mere antipathy, without show of reason, originally
induced your dislike to this young man. When you first sought to do him
up, you were conscious of this, and gave, as a reason for the desire,
the cut upon your face, which so much disfigured your loveliness."

Rivers did not appear very much to relish or regard this speech, which
had something of satire in it; but he was wise enough to restrain his
feelings, as, reverting back to their original topic, he spoke in the
following manner:--

"You are unusually earnest after reasons and motives for action,
to-night: is it not strange, Munro, that it has never occasioned
surprise in your mind, that one like myself, so far superior in numerous
respects to the men I have consented to lead and herd with, should have
made such my profession?"

"Not at all," was the immediate and ready response of his companion.
"Not at all. This was no mystery to me, for I very well knew that yo