Very likely her mind was narrow; very likely the precautions
which she had used in the lad's early days, the tutors and directors she
had set about him, the religious studies and practices to which she would
have subjected him, had served only to vex and weary the young pupil, and
to drive his high spirit into revolt. It is hard to convince a woman
perfectly pure in her life and intentions, ready to die if need were for
her own faith, having absolute confidence in the instruction of her
teachers, that she and they (with all their sermons) may be doing harm.
When the young catechist yawns over his reverence's discourse, who knows
but it is the doctor's vanity which is enraged, and not Heaven which is
offended? It may have been, in the differences which took place between
her son and her, the good Lady Walham never could comprehend the lad's
side of the argument; or how his Protestantism against her doctrines
should exhibit itself on the turf, the gaming-table, or the stage of the
opera-house; and thus but for the misfortune under which poor Kew now lay
bleeding, these two loving hearts might have remained through life
asunder.
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