Sophron and Tigranes--Tommy as an Arabian Horseman--His
Mishap--Tommy's intrepidity--The Poor Highlander's story--Tommy's
Sorrow for his conduct to Harry--Conclusion of the Story of Sophron
and Tigranes--Tommy's resolution to study nothing but "reason and
philosophy"--Visits Harry and begs his forgiveness--The Grateful
Black's Story--Tommy takes up his abode at Farmer Sandford's--The
Grateful Black's account of himself--Mr Merton's visit to the
Farm--The unexpected present--Conclusion.

While Mr Merton was occupied by these uneasy feelings, he was agreeably
surprised by a visit from Mr Barlow, who came accidentally to see him,
with a perfect ignorance of all the great events which had so recently
happened.

Mr Merton received this worthy man with the sincerest cordiality; but
there was such a gloom diffused over all his manners that Mr Barlow
began to suspect that all was not right with Tommy, and therefore
purposely inquired after him, to give his father an opportunity of
speaking. This Mr Merton did not fail to do; and taking Mr Barlow
affectionately by the hand, he said, "Oh, my dear Sir, I begin to fear
that all my hopes are at an end in that boy, and all your kind
endeavours thrown away. He has just behaved in such a manner as shows
him to be radically corrupted, and insensible of every principle but
pride." He then related to Mr Barlow every incident of Tommy's
behaviour; making the severest reflections upon his insolence and
ingratitude, and blaming his own supineness, that had not earlier
checked these boisterous passions, that now burst forth with such a
degree of fury that threatened ruin to his hopes.

"Indeed," answered Mr Barlow, "I am very sorry to hear this account of
my little friend; yet I do not see it in quite so serious a light as
yourself; and though I cannot deny the dangers that may arise from a
character so susceptible of false impressions, and so violent, at the
same time, yet I do not think the corruption either so great or so
general as you seem to suspect. Do we not see, even in the most trifling
habits of body or speech, that a long and continual attention is
required, if we would wish to change them, and yet our perseverance is,
in the end, generally successful; why, then, should we imagine that
those of the mind are less obstinate, or subject to different laws? Or
why should we rashly abandon ourselves to despair, from the first
experiments that do n