This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839 edition. Excerpt: ...and soft-hearted a mood by the very first eligible young fellow who appeals to your compassion; and I wish I were a young fellow that I might avail myself on the spot of such a favourable opportunity for doing so, as the present.” “ You are as great a boy as poor Brittles himself,” returned Rose, blushing. “Well,” said the doctor, laughing heartily, “ that is no very ditficult matter. But to return to this boy: the great point of our agreement is yet to come. He will wake in an hour or so, I dare say; and although I have told that thick-headed constablefellow down stairs that he mustn’t be moved or spoken to, on peril of his life, I think we may converse with him without, danger. Now, I make this stipulation---that I shall examine him in your presence, and that if from what he says, we judge, and I can show to the satisfaction of your cool reason, that he is a real and thorough bad one (which is more than possible), he shall be left to his fate, without any further interference on my part, at all events.” “ Oh no, aunt l” entreated Rose. “ Oh yes, aunt!” said the doctor. “Is it a bargain?” _ “ He cannot be hardened in vice,” said Rose; “ it is impossible.” “ Very good,” retorted the doctor; “then so much th6 more reason for acceding to my proposition.” Finally the treaty was entered into, and the parties thereto sat down to wait with some impatience until Oliver should awake. The patience of the two ladies was destined to undergo a longer trial than Mr. Losberne had led them to expect, for hour alter hour passed on, and still Oliver slumbered heavily. It was evening, indeed, before th_e kind-hearted doctor brought...