The country looks very pretty, no doubt, I can tell that; only my notion is, that a wise man ought to go out and enjoy it--as I am going to do--with a gun on his shoulder, instead of poking at home like a yard-dog, and behowling oneself in po-o-oetry;" and Tom lifted up his voice into a doleful mastiff's howl.
"Then be as good as your word, Tom, and let every one please themselves," said the Doctor; but the dark youth broke out in sudden passion.
"Mr.Thomas Thurnall! I will not endure this! Why are you always making me your butt,--insulting me, sir, even in your father's house?
You do not understand me; and I do not care to understand you.

If my presence is disagreeable to you, I can easily relieve you of it!" and the dark youth turned to go away like Naaman, in a rage.
"Stop, John," said the Doctor.

"I think it would be the more courteous plan for Tom to relieve you of his presence.

Go and find Mark, Tom; and please to remember that John Briggs is my guest, and that I will not allow any rudeness to him in my house." "I'll go, daddy, to the world's end, if you like, provided you won't ask me to write poetry.

But Jack takes offence so soon.