as almost to amount to horror; while dogs, whose presence had been wont to
fill him with dismay, were now his favorite companions. It was the same in
other things; the boy formed independent opinions and prejudices in all
the relations of life--independent, that is, of his past. His temper, too,
was changed; no longer timid, appealing and docile, it was now determined,
enterprising, and bold. It was manifest even thus early that here was a
character fitted to make its way in the world.

"No, I protest, Doctor, I can never believe it's the same child," said Lady
Malmaison, with a sigh. "That noisy, self-willed boy is never my quiet,
affectionate little Archie. And yesterday he beat his brother Edward, that
is two years older than he. Heigho! Pray, dear Doctor, what is your
opinion?"

"My opinion, Lady Malmaison, is that women will never be content," answered
the bluff old physician. "I can remember the time when you thought your
quiet little Archie was a nincompoop--and quite right too. And now because
a monstrous piece of good luck has made a Crichton of him, you begin to
regret the nincompoop! It ain't logical;" and the Doctor took snuff.

"But who ever heard of a child changing his whole nature all in a moment?"
persisted Lady Malmaison.

"Why, isn't all in a moment better than inch by inch? The thing is no such
mighty matter as some folks try to make it out. The boy went to sleep as
soon as he was born, and has but just waked up--that's my notion about it.
So now, instead of starting, the way most of us do, at the point of
helplessness, he begins life with a body full of seven years' pith, and
faculties sharp set as a new watch. Till now he has but dreamed; now he's
going to exist, with so much the more extra impetus. He don't recollect