In countervailing the appointment of Providence, we must employ our
reason, with conscientious diligence, as to the means, and if we find that
they are as likely to do mischief as good, we have no right to expect a
special interposition to turn our experiment into an ordeal. I think you
ought to weigh it well--I am sure there are reasons against it. If you make
up your mind that you would rather be placed under the care, say of Lady
Knollys, I will endeavour all I can to effect it.'
'That could not be done without his consent, could it?' said I.
'No, but I don't despair of getting that--on terms, of course,' remarked
he.
'I don't quite understand,' I said.
'I mean, for instance, if he were allowed to keep the allowance for your
maintenance--eh?'
'I mistake my uncle Silas very much,' I said, 'if that allowance is any
object whatever to him compared with the moral value of the position. If he
were deprived of that, I am sure he would decline the other.'
'We might try him at all events,' said Doctor Bryerly, on whose dark sinewy
features, even in this imperfect light, I thought I detected a smile.
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