I need no teacher to this
end. I acknowledge its truth, and none on this point can more perfectly
agree with you than myself. But if, looking beyond these particulars,
you would have me recognize in myself an inferiority, marked and
singular, in a fair comparison with other men--if, in short, you would
convey an indignity; and--but you are my father's brother, sir!" and the
blood mounted to his forehead, and his heart swelling, the youth turned
proudly away, and rested his head upon the mantel.
"Not so, Ralph; you are hasty in your thought, not less than in its
expression," said his uncle, soothingly, "I meant not what you think.
But you must be aware, nephew, that my daughter, not less from the
fortune which will be exclusively hers, and her individual
accomplishments, than from the leading political station which her
father fills, will be enabled to have a choice in the adoption of a
suitor, which this childish passion might defeat."
"Mine is no childish passion, sir; though young, my mind is not apt to
vary in its tendencies; and, unlike that of the mere politician, has
little of inconsistency in its predilections with which to rebuke
itself.
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