him; and hoped his honour would not insist
upon depriving him of his assistance. This apology might perhaps have been
sufficient with any other man than Mr. Tyrrel; but it was frequently observed of
this gentleman that, when he had once formed a determination however slight in
favour of any measure, he was never afterwards known to give it up, and that the
only effect of opposition was to make him eager and inflexible in pursuit of
that to which he had before been nearly indifferent. At first he seemed to
receive the apology of Hawkins with good humour, and to see nothing in it but
what was reasonable; but afterwards every time he saw the boy his desire of
retaining him in his service was increased, and he more than once repeated to
his father the good disposition in which he felt himself towards him. At length
he observed that the lad was no more to be seen mingling in his favourite
sports, and he began to suspect that this originated in a determination to
thwart him in his projects.
    Roused by this suspicion, which, to a man of Mr. Tyrrel's character, was not
of a nature to brook delay, he sent for Hawkins to confer with him. Hawkins,
said he, in a tone of displeasure, I am not satisfied with you. I have spoken to
you two or three times about this lad of yours, whom I am desirous of taking
into favour. What is the reason, sir, that you seem unthankful and averse to my
kindness? You ought to know that I am not to be trifled with. I shall not be
contented, when I offer my favours to have them rejected by such fellows as you.
I made you what you are; and, if I please, can make you more helpless and
miserable than you were when I found you. Have a care!
    An it please your honour, said Hawkins, you have been a very good master to
me, and I will tell you the whole truth. I hope you will na be angry. This lad
is my favourite, my comfort and the stay of my age.
    Well, and what then? Is that a reason you should hinder his preferment?
    Nay, pray your honour, hear me. I may be very weak for aught I know in this
case, but I cannot help it. My father was a clergyman. We have all of us lived
in a creditable way; and I cannot bear to think that this poor lad of mine
should go to service. For my part, I do not see any good that comes by servants.