"HIGH LIFE." 51
hearted, if empty-headed young squire, it would have been
better for both of them.
 In course of time the earl became superannuated, and more
responsibilities were heaped on De Vaux's shoulders, bending,
notwithstanding their developed muscularity, under their pre-
sent load, which the bearer was growing more and more fain
to shirk.
 My lady, plied with representations by friends and relatives
of the family, became alarmed at the supineness of her son,
with the waste of all his youthful promise, and his increasing
inclination to let the active current of life sweep by him, while
he buried himself in a remote retreat, taking with him his
unemployed talent to rust there.
 One winter evening at the castle the curtains were drawn,
and tea had been brought in and carried out. Mother and
son were alone together in their several corners, behind their
respective screens, and having their private little tables, laden
with books, drawing materials, ladies' work, and flowers,
between them and the blazing fire. Carlo was stretched
decorously on the white bear skin which served as a hearth-
rug. Then the countess spoke out, and urged on De Vaux all
the arguments which could stir his principles or rouse his
ambition. But he had always the same answer.
 Was it his father's wishes that were pled? Ah I it was too
late, so far as affording his father gratification went; besides,
De Vaux had been persuaded from the first that, since he must
have followed his own convictions, he would have run counter
to his father's opinions, and only contrived to vex and dis-
appoint him in a public career.
 Was it the good of his country he was bidden mind ? De