He was undeniably handsome, graceful, well-bred--but no close
observer could look at him without suspecting that the stout old family
stock had begun to wear out in the later generations, and that Mr.
Francis Clare had more in him of the shadow of his ancestors than of the
substance.
When the astonishment caused by his appearance had partially subsided,
a search was instituted for the missing report. It was found in the
remotest recesses of Mr. Vanstone's capacious pocket, and was read by
that gentleman on the spot.
The plain facts, as stated by the engineer, were briefly these: Frank
was not possessed of the necessary abilities to fit him for his new
calling; and it was useless to waste time by keeping him any longer in
an employment for which he had no vocation. This, after three years'
trial, being the conviction on both sides, the master had thought it the
most straightforward course for the pupil to go home and candidly place
results before his father and his friends. In some other pursuit, for
which he was more fit, and in which he could feel an interest, he would
no doubt display the industry and perseverance which he had been
too much discouraged to practice in the profession that he had now
abandoned.
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