If one had never heard
of the proverb, 'When the devil was sick, the devil a monk would
be,' I should have had greater faith in him; or if he had had
more strength of character to begin with, or more reality and
less outward appearance of good principle instilled into him.
However, this Glasgow situation is the very thing; clear, defined
duties, no great trust reposed in him, a kind and watchful head,
and introductions to a better class of associates than I fancy he
has ever been thrown amongst before. For, you know, Mr. Bradshaw
dreaded all intimacies for his son, and wanted him to eschew all
society beyond his own family--would never allow him to ask a
friend home. Really, when I think of the unnatural life Mr.
Bradshaw expected him to lead, I get into charity with him, and
have hopes. By the way, have you ever succeeded in persuading his
mother to send Leonard to school? He may run the same risk from
isolation as Dick: not be able to choose his companions wisely
when he grows up, but be too much overcome by the excitement of
society to be very discreet as to who are his associates. Have
you spoken to her about my plan?"
"Yes! but to no purpose. I cannot say that she would even admit
an argument on the subject. She seemed to have an invincible
repugnance to the idea of exposing him to the remarks of other
boys on his peculiar position."
"They need never know of it. Besides, sooner or later, he must
step out of his narrow circle, and encounter remark and scorn.
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