nephew for his adventurous dash, and was loath to think he had been mistaken in him. But putting himself in Jack's place, and carrying himself back to Jack's age, he knew how the launch into Eastern life would have tempted him, with the hazards that would make patience seem more than tolerable; and pluck without perseverance seemed to him a poor quality. Jack felt that he was being misunderstood by the man with whom, above all others, he desired to stand well. His face grew redder; he lost all his usual composure, and he felt the fool he knew he looked. Moray saw that some concealment, "like a worm i' the bud," was flushing his young favourite's damask cheek, and good-naturedly made an effort to come to the rescue.
"You spoke of missing chances, my boy; and you may miss a good one now, if you do not give me your absolute confidence. Whatever you may have in your mind, speak it out. I pledge myself that I shall not think any the worse of you."
A reckless "tu là voulu, George Dandin," feeling took possession of Venables, and carried him away. His uncle ordered him to be frank; and frank he would be, with a vengeance, come of it what might. It was like taking a header from the rocks into the rapids; and how he might come out again, who should say? He had no time to reflect, and could only act upon impulse. "In five minutes I may get my dismissal, and be told to pack my traps. Never mind: here goes – nothing venture, nothing win." And although he stammered when he began, he was astonished to find that his very vague ideas found persuasive expression.
To his inexpressible delight and relief, Moray seemed less taken aback than might have been expected. At all events, he listened silently and calmly, while Jack, premising that he intended an immediate departure from Glenconan, went on to speak of an attachment to his cousin.
"I scarcely knew my own mind, sir, till you brought me to book; but what would yesterday have been the fulfilment of my fondest dreams, means nothing to-day but a sentence of transportation: and if I dare to say as much, it is only because I may at once be put out of my misery. I think I can never be happy without Grace; I know that I am never likely to be made happy with her: so give me a word of forgiveness, and let me go in peace."
Moray stroked his moustache and bent his head in silence. Jack, who had suppressed himself after his effort of audacity, began to gain heart again and rise slowly, like a namesake-of-his-in-the-box whose springs have been temporarily flattened. Visions of an Eden with an Eve in it were opening before him. Was it possible that his uncle meant to fold him in his arms, ring for Grace, and send down the curtain with a melodramatic "Bless you, my children, and be happy"? The idea was dismissed as soon as entertained, though there was ample room left for encouragement.
"Most men in my place might have been angry, Master Jack; and I don't know what her mother might have said to you. But I admire your candour; and, after all, there is nothing criminal nor very surprising in your feelings. Quite the contrary. Perhaps it was my fault that you and Grace have been thrown so constantly together. For reasons of my own, I have never set my heart on my girl making what they call a great
