the head of that young gentleman; for both Standfast and Figgins well knew that there is not a stronger hold of a grateful and generous heart than the knowledge of obligation: and this is the sort of credulity I have described as a part of our hero's composition, which, throughout his life, induced him to be thankful to others for lending him imaginary benefits, that they might receive from him real ones.
But why should Charles be devoted to the same ruin with others? He could not possibly hinder any one of their schemes. He had nothing that could give them the smallest uneasiness. Was it

then nothing to be the darling child, the hopeful cherished favourite, while Mrs. O'Shocknesy and her son were turned into the world, the sport of malicious tongues, and the vestiges of fallen greatness? Charles—though were the records of the human heart searched for every thing good and great that ever made up an amiable character, the same marks of worth would be found in his:—Charles must be traduced, must be vilified, it was necessary, it was material; he must be sunk that his elder brother might rise. Besides, Mr. Standfast had a husband in his eye for Annette; a better husband; since who can deny but a rich, sensible, thinking youth, as one will appear, answers that description more perfectly than a poor, vicious, dissipated, inconstant wretch, as will be the character of the other.
Reader, it was not Zekiel that our friend Standfast had found out for Annette. I know not if such an attempt would not have been a touch even above his art; but, however, that young gentleman will probably shew, by and by, that he would chuse to be consulted before any material step should be taken that concerned him.
Master Zekiel had, at the time I am speaking, pretty decided opinions, and one of them was to

appear, however he might really be, satisfied with all his mother and Mr. Standfast should determine, unless they should ask him to sign any paper, which he was fully resolved never to do.
As the reader has not yet heard the upshot of the business relative to those letters wherein an application was made for the grant of the estate in Warwickshire, I may as well inform him here that Sir Sidney's application rendered that of Mrs. O'Shocknesy and her son fruitless; therefore, through Standfast's advice, an addition was made to the annual stipend of the son, who immediately left Eaton, and went to France, with Snaffle for his companion