But the Opposition is divided, Red- hots, and Luke-warms; and the Duke (par excellence _the_ Duke) and Sir Robert Peel show no signs of insecurity, though they have been twice beat; so 'Courage, mon amie,' as the old chevaliers used to say, before they joined battle." In the middle of the summer of 1835, a great family plan was mooted at the parsonage.

The question was, to what trade or profession should Branwell be brought up?
He was now nearly eighteen; it was time to decide.

He was very clever, no doubt; perhaps to begin with, the greatest genius in this rare family.

The sisters hardly recognised their own, or each others' powers, but they knew _his_.

The father, ignorant of many failings in moral conduct, did proud homage to the great gifts of his son; for Branwell's talents were readily and willingly brought out for the entertainment of others.