some wise Alexander or sage Alquife, the mystical and magical
protector of thy peerless destiny. But I know not how it was,
thy skull got harder, I think, and my knuckles became softer; not
to mention that at length thou didst begin to show about thee a
spark of something dangerous, which I was bound to respect at
least, if I did not fear it.

And while I speak of this, it is not much amiss to advise thee to
correct a little this cock-a-hoop courage of thine. I fear much
that, like a hot-mettled horse, it will carry the owner into some
scrape, out of which he will find it difficult to extricate
himself, especially if the daring spirit which bore thee thither
should chance to fail thee at a pinch. Remember, Darsie, thou
art not naturally courageous; on the contrary, we have long since
agreed that, quiet as I am, I have the advantage in this
important particular. My courage consists, I think, in strength
of nerves and constitutional indifference to danger; which,
though it never pushes me on adventure, secures me in full use of
my recollection, and tolerably complete self-possession, when
danger actually arrives. Now, thine seems more what may be
called intellectual courage; highness of spirit, and desire of
distinction; impulses which render thee alive to the love of
fame, and deaf to the apprehension of danger, until it forces
itself suddenly upon thee. I own that, whether it is from my
having caught my father's apprehensions, or that I have reason to
entertain doubts of my own, I often think that this wildfire
chase of romantic situation and adventure may lead thee into some
mischief; and then what would become of Alan Fairford? They
might make whom they pleased Lord Advocate or Solicitor-General,
I should never have the heart to strive for it. All my exertions