"Certainly," returned the other; "but I think your scheme a very desultory and unsatisfactory one. As you are now acquainted with the residence of your wife, and her determination to see you no more, what is it you pursue? Why not return, and pass your winter at the Castle, look after your son, if you think him such, and prepare yourself for returning in the spring to the army?"
"The mansion of my brother is hateful to me on many accounts," replied Ferdinand, "it would continually remind me of every misfortune: No, there I cannot reside; and to live near my boy, for mine I am sure he is, could be no benefit to him, and having placed him in the hands of integrity, I am entirely easy on that head. I once thought that retirement would make me at least resigned; but I am now of your opinion, that a diversity of objects is more likely to amuse my mind, and that, where peace and contentment are for ever fled to procure a chance of temporary ease, variety of places and objects are absolutely necessary; yet will you
