his early destiny had given him; he wondered still at many things he saw and heard, and at times would venture to give his opinion, contradict, and even act in opposition to persons, whom long experience and the approbation of the world had placed in situations that claimed his implicit reverence and submission.
Unchanged in all his boyish graces, young William, now a man, was never known to infringe upon the statutes of good-breeding, even though sincerity, his own free will, duty to his neighbour,

with many other plebeian virtues and privileges, were the sacrifice.
William inherited all the pride and ambition of the dean—Henry, all his father's humility. And yet (so various and extensive is the acceptation of the word pride, that) on some occasions, Henry was proud even beyond his cousin. He thought it far beneath his dignity, ever to honour or contemplate with awe, any human being in whom he saw numerous failings. Nor would he, to ingratiate himself into the favour of a man above him, stoop to one servility, such as the haughty William daily practised.
"I know I am called proud." One day said William to Henry.
"Dear cousin," replied Henry, "it must be only then, by those who do not know you: for to me you appear the humblest creature in the world."
"Do you really think so?"
"I am certain of it; or would you always give up your opinion to that of persons in a superior state, however inferior in their understanding? Would, else, their weak judgment immediately change

yours, though, before, you had been decided on the opposite side? Now indeed, cousin, I have more pride than you, for I never will stoop to act or to speak contrary to my feelings.
"Then you will never be a great man."
"Nor ever desire it, if I must first be a mean one."
There was in the reputation of these two young men another mistake, which the common retailers of character committed. Henry was said to be wholly negligent, while William was reputed to be extremely fond; of the other sex: William indeed was gallant, was amorous, and indulged his inclination to the libertine society of women; but Henry it was who loved them. He admired them at a reverential distance, and felt so tender an affection for the virtuous part, that it shocked him to behold, much more to associate with the depraved and vicious.
In the advantages of person Henry was still superior to William,