of his conversation was on my

future prospects,

and a wish that I would embark in some pursuit or profession more likely to raise me in the world; but on this head I was positive, and also on another point, which was, that I would in future put myself under an obligation to no one. I could not erase from my memory the injuries I had received, and my vindictive spirit continually brooded over them. I was resolved to be independent and free. I felt that in the company I was in, I was with my equals, or, if there were any superiority, it was on my part, arising from education, and I never would submit to be again in the society of those above me, in which I was admitted as a favour, and by the major part looked down upon, and at the same time liable, as I had once been, to be turned out with contumely on the first moment of caprice. Still I was very fond of Captain Turnbull. He had always been kind

to me, spoke to me on terms of equality, and had behaved with consistency, and my feelings towards him since the accident, had consequently strengthened; but we always feel an increased regard towards those to whom we have been of service, and my pride was softened by the reflection that whatever might be Mr. Turnbull's good-will towards me, he-never could, even if I would permit it, repay me for the life which I had preserved. Towards him I felt unbounded regard towards those who had ill-treated me, unlimited hatred; towards the world in general a mixture of feeling which I could hardly analyze; and, as far as regarded myself, a love of liberty and independence, which nothing would ever have induced me to compromise. As I did not wish to hurt Captain Turnbull's feelings by a direct refusal to all his proffers of service, and remarks upon the advantages which might arise, I generally made an evasive answer;

but when on the day proposed for my departure, he at once came to the point, offering me every thing, and observing that he was childless, and therefore my acceptance of his offer would be injurious to nobody, when he took me by the hand, and drawing me near to him, passed his arm round me, and spoke to me in the kind accents of a father, almost entreating me to consent-the tears of gratitude coursed each other rapidly down my cheeks, but my resolution was no less firm-although it was with a faltering voice that I replied, "You have been very kind to me, sir-very kind—and I shall never forget it; and I hope I shall deserve it-but-Mr. Drummond, and Mrs. Drummond, and Sarah, were also kind to mevery kind to me-you know the rest. I will remain as I am, if you please; and if you wish to do me a kindness-if you wish me to love you, as I really do, let me be as I am-free and

independent. I beg it of you as the greatest favour that you can possibly confer on me-the only favour which I can accept, or shall be truly thankful for."

Captain Turnbull was some minutes before he could reply. He then said "I see it is useless, and I will not tease you any more; but, Jacob, do not let the first injustice which you have received from your fellow-creatures prey so much upon your mind, or induce you to form the mistaken idea that the world is bad. As you live on, you will find much good; and recollect, that those who have injured you, from the misrepresentation of others, have been willing, and have offered, to repair their fault. They can do no more, and I wish you could get over this vindictive feeling. Recollect, we must forgive, as we hope to be forgiven.”

"I do forgive-at least, I do sometimes," replied I, "for Sarah's sake-but I can't always."

"But you ought to forgive, for other reasons, Jacob."

"I know I ought—but if I cannot I cannot.”

66

Nay, my boy, I never heard you talk so

I was going to say-wickedly. Do you not perceive that you are now in error? You will not abandon a feeling which your own good sense and religion tell you to be wrong-you cling to it- and yet you will admit of no excuse for the errors of others."

"I feel what you say-and the truth of it, sir," replied I; "but I cannot combat the feeling. I will therefore admit every excuse you please, for the faults of others; but at the same time, I am surely not to be blamed if I refuse to put myself in a situation where I am again liable to meet with mortification. Surely I am

not to be censured, if I prefer to work for my bread after my own fashion, and prefer the river to dry land ?"