OR THE DESERT ISLAND. 3l

On the other hand, Count Charles was fully aware that
although Merville’s dog had pursued the hare, it was not
at the bidding of his master, but absolutely against his
wish ; and that he had scarcely time to recall the animal
ere it was killed.

This recollection was exceedingly painful to the count.
He was as angry with himself as with Philip; he could
not bear to think how foolishly he had acted, nor would he
suffer the least allusion to be made to it; the mere men-
tion of Philip Merville’s name put him ina fury. Yet he
never for a moment reflected, that this unhappy affair owed
its entire origin to one hasty thoughtless moment, during
which he had left the reins of reason to the command of
his impetuous passions: for it was neither Philip nor his
spaniel that had offended or irritated him; but accidental
and antecedent circumstances had soured his temper, and
he discharged the overflowing of his ill humour upon the
first objects that crossed his path. He had in this instance
committed an act of cruelty absolutely foreign to his cha-
racter, and which had wounded most grievously the purest
and best feelings of a fellow being already borne down by
the weight of his afflictions.

If young persons were to look into the recesses of their
hearts they would find that the passions are often held ac-