"We may keep the body bound, but know not what a range the spirit takes." [Footnote: This was an actual remark of the little boy that has been before mentioned.]
Mr. and Mrs. Bernard looked at each other, and smiled with delight, to find their dear boy entered so completely into the spirit of his lessons, and was able to apply, in so proper a manner, the knowledge he had acquired.
"Your fire-side circle seems so complete," said Mr. Dormer, "and you appear so thoroughly to enjoy each other's society, that I fear a proposition, which I have called this evening with the purpose of making, will not be received so favourably as I could wish. What do you say to my running away with one of your party?"
"Not papa or mamma," said all the children at once: "we cannot spare them, indeed, Sir."
Mr. Dormer assured them he had no intention of depriving them of either of their valuable parents, even for a single day. "But," added he, "unexpected business calls me to Plymouth. I shall be absent about a fortnight or three weeks, and shall be very dull without a companion. Ned, my boy, what say you to accompanying me?"
Edward was delighted with the proposal, and anxiously looked at his parents for their permission to accept Mr. Dormer's invitation. It was willingly granted, and Edward received the affectionate congratulations of his brother and sisters upon the occasion; who, far from envying him the pleasure that awaited him, sincerely rejoiced in his good fortune, and only requested to be made partakers of his pleasure, by letter.
"I shall set off the day after to-morrow," said Mr. Dormer, "so you have no time to lose, Edward."
Edward. Oh sir, I shall be ready; you need not fear my procrastination, on this occasion.
"Nor on any other occasion, I hope, my dear boy," said Mr. Dormer, "for it is a most ruinous habit for a youth to indulge in."
Edward looked a little conscious of his deficiency in this particular, but again promised strict punctuality.