he had not become a student,--with many manly accomplishments,
and with a mien and visage that at once took the fancy and
enlisted the affections. Indeed a physiologist would hardly
have inferred from the countenance and structure of Egremont
the career he had pursued, or the character which attached to
him. The general cast and expression of his features when in
repose was pensive: an air of refinement distinguished his
well-moulded brow; his mouth breathed sympathy, and his rich
brown eye gleamed with tenderness. The sweetness of his voice
in speaking was in harmony with this organization.

Two years passed in the most refined circles of our society
exercised a beneficial influence on the general tone of
Egremont, and may be said to have finished his education. He
had the good sense and the good taste not to permit his
predilection for sports to degenerate into slang; he yielded
himself to the delicate and profitable authority of woman,
and, as ever happens, it softened his manners and brightened
his wit. He was fortunate in having a clever mother, and he
appreciated this inestimable possession. Lady Marney had
great knowledge of society, and some acquaintance with human
nature, which she fancied she had fathomed to its centre; she
piqued herself upon her tact, and indeed she was very quick,
but she was so energetic that her art did not always conceal
itself; very worldly, she was nevertheless not devoid of
impulse; she was animated and would have been extremely
agreeable, if she had not restlessly aspired to wit; and would
certainly have exercised much more influence in society, if
she had not been so anxious to show it. Nevertheless, still
with many personal charms, a frank and yet, if need be, a