But I see how it is, you have shamefully misused your opportunities; you are like one who, sent into the field to labour, passes his time in flinging stones at the birds of heaven.' 'I would scorn to fling a stone at a bird, father.' 'You know what I mean, and all too well, and this attempt to evade deserved reproof by feigned simplicity is quite in character with your general behaviour.

I have ever observed about you a want of frankness, which has distressed me; you never speak of what you are about, your hopes, or your projects, but cover yourself with mystery.

I never knew till the present moment that you were acquainted with Armenian.' 'Because you never asked me, father; there's nothing to conceal in the matter--I will tell you in a moment how I came to learn Armenian.

A lady whom I met at one of Mrs.---'s parties took a fancy to me, and has done me the honour to allow me to go and see her sometimes.

She is the widow of a rich clergyman, and on her husband's death came to this place to live, bringing her husband's library with her: I soon found my way to it, and examined every book.