Sir Oswald was delighted with the young man's
talents and accomplishments; and Victor contrived to win credit by the
apparently accidental revelation of his early struggles, his mother's
poverty, his patient studies, and indomitable perseverance. He told of
these things without seeming to tell them; a word now, a chance
allusion then, revealed the story of his friendless youth. Sir Oswald
fancied that such a companion was eminently adapted to urge his nephew
onward in the difficult road that leads to fortune and distinction.
"If Reginald had only half your industry, half your perseverance, I
should not fear for his future career, Mr. Carrington," said the
baronet, in the course of a confidential conversation with his visitor.
"That will come in good time, Sir Oswald," answered Victor. "Reginald
is a noble fellow, and has a far nobler nature than I can pretend to
possess. The very qualities which you are good enough to praise in me
are qualities which you cannot expect to find in him. I was a pupil in
the stern school of poverty from my earliest infancy, while Reginald
was reared in the lap of luxury. Pardon me, Sir Oswald, if I speak
plainly; but I must remind you that there are few young men who would
have passed honourably through the ordeal of such a change of fortune
as that which has fallen on your nephew."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that with most men such a reverse would have been utter ruin of
soul and body.
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