There was a spring and vigour as of perpetual irrepressible
life about the whole being, and the moment he had accepted his
uncle's kiss, he poised his lance, and exclaimed, 'You are Bonaparte,
I'm the Duke!'
'Indeed,' said Mr. Ferrars, at once seizing a wand, and bestriding
the nearest bench. Two or three charges rendered the boy so
uproarious, that presently he was ordered off, and to use the old
apple tree as Bonaparte.
'What a stout fellow!' said Mr. Ferrars, as he went off at a plunging
gallop, 'I should have taken him for at least five years old!'
'So he might be,' said Albinia, 'for strength and spirit--he is
utterly fearless, and never cries, much as he knocks himself about!
He will do anything but learn. The rogue! he once knew all his
letters, but no sooner did he find they were the work of life, than
he forgot every one, and was never so obstreperous as when called
upon to say them. I gave up the point, but I foresee some fine
scenes.'
'His minding no one but you is an old story. I hope at least the
exception continues.'
'I have avoided testing it. I want all my forces for a decisive
battle. I never heard of such a masterful imp,' she continued, with
much more exultation than anxiety, 'his sisters have no chance with
him, he rules them like a young Turk. There's the pony! Sophy will
let him have it as a right, and it is the work of my life to see that
she is not defrauded of her rides.
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