Frederick, whose face had expressed every variety and gradation of feeling which such an address was calculated to inspire in a breast which is the abode of all that is most noble, and most tenderly affectionate, could restrain his emotion no longer. He pressed his uncle’s pale hand to his lips with ardour, and bathed it with tears of honest grief and affection. My poor friend was deeply agitated, which his nephew perceiving, he struggled with his own feelings to avoid exciting those of the invalid; and, making an effort, thanked his benefactor with that warm yet dignified expression of countenance and manner, which, while it bespoke the vividness of gratitude, betrayed no symptom whatsoever of joy in the mere acquisition of fortune. “Now then, we will call in Mr. Peltry, and you may go, my dear Frederick,” said the general. “Oh not yet,” replied the generous youth. “Do not banish me for a little while; I have an earnest request to make, and only hesitate lest you, my dear uncle, should think me for a moment, either ungrateful or presumptuous.” “I cannot think you either,” answered General Douglas; “proceed, tell me what you would have, and if I can, I will indulge you.” “Forgive me then,” said Frederick, “if I speak all that is on my heart. I say nothing to deter you from making a final disposition of your property, because every man must feel a weight of anxiety taken from his mind when he has performed an act by which he provides for the future interest of those who are dear to him. Such an act, far from shortening his days, is likely to prolong them, by removing a painful pressure from his mind; and therefore I shall have pleasure in thinking that this deed is done, as well as in being thought worthy of mention in it. But, dearest uncle, a slight remembrance in point of vulgar estimation may be rendered supremely valuable by the manner of bestowing it, and should I survive you, any mark of your affection will be preserved with love and veneration while I live. May I then, without dread of offending, by the appearance of dictating to your better judgment, suggest Arthur Howard as a fitter representative of your fortune than I am. He is a noble fellow; and by the disinterestedness of his conduct, likely to be reduced from high expectations to almost abject poverty. He is at this moment raising money to keep his brother-in-law, Lord Crayton, out of jail, and prevent the effects of such event upon his mother’s shattered nerves. I, on the contrary, have been educated with the view to improving my patrimony by professional labour, the idea of which is not at all displeasing to me; and I frankly own that the love of my native soil is so strongly impressed upon my heart, that little Glenalta has greater charms for me than a ducal residence in any other place could possess.”