represented to her how amiable her conduct would appear in the eye
of the world should she condescend to treat this destitute nephew as
her own son; what envy such heroic virtue would excite in the hearts
of her particular friends, and what grief in the bosoms of all those
who did not like her.

The dean was a man of no inconsiderable penetration. He understood
the thoughts which, upon this occasion, passed in the mind of his
wife, and in order to ensure her kind treatment of the boy, instead
of reproaching her for the cold manner in which she had at first
received him, he praised her tender and sympathetic heart for having
shown him so much kindness, and thus stimulated her vanity to be
praised still more.

William, the mother's own son, far from apprehending a rival in this
savage boy, was convinced of his own pre-eminence, and felt an
affection for him--though rather as a foil than as a cousin. He
sported with his ignorance upon all occasions, and even lay in wait
for circumstances that might expose it; while young Henry, strongly
impressed with everything which appeared new to him, expressed,
without reserve, the sensations which those novelties excited,
wholly careless of the construction put on his observations.

He never appeared either offended or abashed when laughed at; but
still pursued his questions, and still discovered his wonder at many
replies made to him, though "simpleton," "poor silly boy," and
"idiot," were vociferated around him from his cousin, his aunt, and
their constant visitor the bishop.

His uncle would frequently undertake to instruct him; so indeed