living. The hope of the heart is always a discontent--most generally
a wholesome discontent--sometimes a noble discontent leading to
nobleness. It is to be satisfied rather than nursed. You must do
what it requires."

"I know not what it requires."

"Your DOING then must be confined at present to finding out what
that is."

"Alas! sir, it seems to me as if I could no more THINK than I can
DO"

"Very likely;--that is the case at present; and there are several
reasons for this feebleness. The energies which have not yet been
tasked, do not know well how to begin. You have been a favored boy.
Your wants have been well provided for. Your parents have loved
you only too much."

"Too much! Why, even now, I am met with cold looks and reproachful
words, on account of this stranger, of whom nobody knows anything."

"Even so: suppose that to be the case, my son; still it does not
alter the truth of what I say. You can not imagine that your parents
prefer this stranger to yourself, unless you imagine them to have
undergone a very sudden change of character. They have always
treated you tenderly--too tenderly."

"Too tenderly, sir?"