'Nay, what hope can there be but in fear, and sense of responsibility?'
'I think not. I do more mischief than those who do not go out of their way to think of the matter at all!'
'Do you!' said the Vicar, smiling. 'At least, I know, for my own part, I prefer all the trouble and perplexity you give me, to a squire who would let me and my parish jog on our own way.'
'I dare say young Brewster never spoilt a Tom Madison.'
'The sight of self indulgence spoils more than injudicious care does. Besides, I look on these experiments as giving experience.'
'Nice experience of my best efforts!'
'Pardon me, Fitzjocelyn, have we seen your best?'
'I hope you will!' said Louis, vigorously. 'And to begin, will you tell this poor boy to come to me?'
Mr. Holdsworth had an unmitigated sense of his own indiscretion, and not such a high one of Fitzjocelyn's discretion as to make him think the interview sufficiently desirable for the culprit, to justify the possible mischief to the adviser, whose wisdom and folly were equally perplexing, and who would surely be either disappointed or deceived. Dissuasions and arguments, however, failed; and Mrs. Frost, who was appealed to as a last resource, no sooner found that her patient's heart was set on the meeting, than she consented, and persuaded Mr. Holdsworth that no harm would ensue equal to the evil of her boy lying there distressing himself.
Accordingly, in due time, Mr. Holdsworth admitted the lad, and, on a sign from Louis, shut himself out, leaving the runaway standing within the door, a monument of surly embarrassment. Raising himself, Louis said, affectionately, 'Never mind, Tom, don't you see how fast I am getting over it?'