The Poor Scholar: Traits And Stories Of The Irish Peasantry, The Works of; William Carleton, Volume ThreeCarleton, William
General
The Poor Scholar: Traits And Stories Of The Irish Peasantry, The Works of; William Carleton, Volume Three
Carleton, William
Ireland -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
Our hero's personal appearance was by this time incredibly changed for
the better. His countenance, naturally expressive of feeling, firmness,
and intellect, now appeared to additional advantage; so did his whole
person, when dressed in a decent suit of black. No man acquainted with
life can be ignorant of the improvement which genteel apparel produce in
the carriage, tone of thought, and principles of an individual. It
gives a man confidence, self-respect, and a sense of equality with
his companions; it inspires him with energy, independence, delicacy
of sentiment, courtesy of manner, and elevation of language. The face
becomes manly, bold, and free; the brow open, and the eye clear; there
is no slinking through narrow lanes and back streets: but, on the
contrary, the smoothly dressed man steps out with a determination not
to spare the earth, or to walk as if he trod on eggs or razors. No; he
brushes onward; is the first to accost his friends; gives a careless
bow to this, a bluff nod to that, and a patronizing “how dy'e do” to a
third, who is worse dressed than himself. Trust me, kind reader, that
good clothes are calculated to advance a man in life nearly as well
as good principles, especially in a world like this, where external
appearance is taken as the exponent of what is beneath it.
Jemmy, by the advice of his friend, now waited upon the Bishop, who was
much surprised at the uncommon turn of fortune which had taken place in
his favor. He also expressed his willingness to help him forward, as far
as lay in his power, towards the attainment of his wishes. In order to
place the boy directly under suitable patronage, Mr. O'Brien suggested
that the choice of the school should be left to the Bishop. This,
perhaps, mattered him a little, for who is without his weaknesses? A
school near the metropolis was accordingly fixed upon, to which Jemmy,
now furnished with a handsome outfit, was accordingly sent. There we
will leave him, reading with eagerness and assiduity, whilst we return
to look after Colonel B. and his agent.
One morning after James's departure, the Colonel's servant waited upon
Mr. O'Brien with a note from his master, intimating a wish to see him.
He lost no time in waiting upon that gentleman, who was then preparing
to visit the estate which he had so long neglected.
“I am going,” said he, “to see how my agent, Yellow Sam, as they call
him, and my tenants agree. It is my determination, Mr. O'Brien, to
investigate the circumstances attending the removal of our protege's
father. I shall, moreover, look closely into the state and feelings of
my tenants in general. It is probable I shall visit many of them, and
certain that I will inquire into the character of this man.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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