I don't know what to make of it." "Like or unlike," said the squire, "it has been a gross insult to young Leslie, and looks all the worse because I and Audley are not just the best friends in the world.

I can't think what it is," continued Mr.
Hazeldean, musingly; "but it seems that there must be always some association of fighting connected with that prim half-brother of mine.
There was I, son of his own mother,--who might have been shot through the lungs, only the ball lodged in the shoulder! and now his wife's kinsman--my kinsman, too--grandmother a Hazeldean,--a hard-reading, sober lad, as I am given to understand, can't set his foot into the quietest parish in the three kingdoms, but what the mildest boy that ever was seen makes a rush at him like a mad bull.

It is FATALITY!" cried the squire, solemnly.
"Ancient legend records similar instances of fatality in certain houses," observed Riccabocca.

"There was the House of Pelops, and Polynices and Eteocles, the sons of OEdipus." "Pshaw!" said the parson; "but what's to be done ?" "Done ?" said the squire; "why, reparation must be made to young Leslie.

And though I wished to spare Lenny, the young ruffian, a public disgrace--for your sake, Parson Dale, and Mrs.Fairfield's--yet a good caning in private--" "Stop, sir!" said Riccabocca, mildly, "and hear me." The Italian then, with much feeling and considerable tact, pleaded the cause of his poor protege, and explained how Lenny's error arose only from mistaken zeal for the squire's service, and in the execution of the orders received from Mr.Stirn.
"That alters the matter," said the squire, softened; "and all that is necessary now will be for him to make a proper apology to my kinsman." "Yes, that is just," rejoined the parson; "but I still don't learn how he got out of the stocks." Riccabocca then resumed his tale; and, after confessing his own principal share in Lenny's escape, drew a moving picture of the boy's shame and honest mortification.