when he came to read with Mr. Ness. But many men of five-and-twenty have
not reflected so deeply as this young Mr. Corbet already had. He had
considered and almost matured his plan for life; had ascertained what
objects he desired most to accomplish in the dim future, which is to many
at his age only a shapeless mist; and had resolved on certain steady
courses of action by which such objects were most likely to be secured. A
younger son, his family connections and family interest pre-arranged a
legal career for him; and it was in accordance with his own tastes and
talents. All, however, which his father hoped for him was, that he might
be able to make an income sufficient for a gentleman to live on. Old Mr.
Corbet was hardly to be called ambitious, or, if he were, his ambition
was limited to views for the eldest son. But Ralph intended to be a
distinguished lawyer, not so much for the vision of the woolsack, which I
suppose dances before the imagination of every young lawyer, as for the
grand intellectual exercise, and consequent power over mankind, that
distinguished lawyers may always possess if they choose. A seat in
Parliament, statesmanship, and all the great scope for a powerful and
active mind that lay on each side of such a career--these were the
objects which Ralph Corbet set before himself. To take high honours at
college was the first step to be accomplished; and in order to achieve
this Ralph had, not persuaded--persuasion was a weak instrument which he
despised--but gravely reasoned his father into consenting to pay the
large sum which Mr. Ness expected with a pupil. The good-natured old
squire was rather pressed for ready money, but sooner than listen to an
argument instead of taking his nap after dinner he would have yielded
anything. But this did not satisfy Ralph; his father's reason must be
convinced of the desirability of the step, as well as his weak will give
way. The squire listened, looked wise, sighed; spoke of Edward's
extravagance and the girls' expenses, grew sleepy, and said, "Very true,"
"That is but reasonable, certainly," glanced at the door, and wondered