When therefore Mr Pringle made his visit of consultation to Mr Kipperson, the learned and sagacious agriculturist received him with condescending cordiality; for by this time Peter the clever had begun to entertain a higher opinion of Mr Pringle than he had upon their first acquaintance. The truth of the matter is, that Mr Kipperson was not excessively partial to those gentlemen who had received their education at either of the English Universities, because he knew that they knew nothing, and he thought that they thought that they knew everything. But Mr Pringle really did know nothing, and was very sure that he did know nothing; and he used to flatter Mr Kipperson as being so very knowing. So Mr Kipperson used to say of Mr Pringle, that he had not been at all injured by his University education. Mr Pringle, after making a suitable preface, and expressing himself somewhat incredulous concerning the statement of his cousin’s letter, handed the said letter to Mr Kipperson, that he might read and judge for himself, and give such advice as he in his wisdom should think most to the purpose. Peter took the letter and read it, and looked wondrously wise while he was reading it; and he screwed up his features into various grotesque forms, and then handed the letter back to Mr Pringle, saying, “Well, Mr Pringle, what do you intend to do in this matter?” It was not much to the purpose to ask this question, for it did not answer the rector’s purpose, nor meet the rector’s question; therefore, Mr Pringle said, “I rather wished, sir, to be favored with your advice how to act in the business. For it puts me into a very awkward situation.” That was very true, and Mr Kipperson knew it, and he did not propose his question, expecting it to be answered explicitly, but that Mr Pringle, by being thus reminded of his own lack of wisdom, might more effectually be impressed with the sagacity and penetration of Peter Kipperson. The question therefore was something like that of the man in the play, “Do ye give it up?” So when Mr Pringle threw himself on the mercy of Mr Kipperson’s wisdom, the knowing agriculturist rubbed his hands with great satisfaction, and said, “Well, Mr Pringle, this is really an unpleasant business. I scarcely know how to advise you, for I am peculiarly situated, you know, as being a tenant of Lord Smatterton; not that I feel myself at all dependent on Lord Smatterton or Lord anybody; but still I am acquainted with his lordship, and I should not like to be seen in anything that might look unfriendly towards his lordship.”