It was impossible for the Squire to have chosen a more injudicious instructor for his sons—­a man, who in not one instance of his life had ever regulated his actions by the common rules of prudence.  He possessed talents without judgment, and was kind-hearted without principle; and though a general favorite with all classes, was respected by none.  Having passed much of his time on the continent of Europe, he had acquired an ease and courtesy of manner, which rendered him quite an acquisition to the country drawing-room, where he settled all matters of fashion and etiquette, to the general satisfaction of the ladies; and in spite of his reduced circumstances and dependent situation, he was warmly welcomed by all the mammas in the parish.  They knew him to be a confirmed old bachelor, and they trusted their daughters with him without a thought that any mis-alliance could take place.  Mr. Alfred was such a dear, good, obliging creature!  He talked French with the girls, and examined the Latin exercises of the boys, and arranged all the parties and pic-nics in the neighborhood; and showed such a willingness to oblige, that he led people to imagine that he was receiving, instead of conferring a favor.  His cheerful temper, agreeable person, and well-cultivated mind, rendered him the life and soul of the Hall; nothing went on well without him.  His occupations were various—­his tasks never ended; he read prayers—­instructed the young gentlemen—­shot game for the larder, and supplied the cook with fish—­had the charge of the garden and poultry-yard, and was inspector-general of the stables and kennels; he carved at dinner—­decanted the wine—­mixed the punch, and manufactured puns and jokes to amuse his saturnine brother.  When the dessert was removed he read the newspapers to the old Squire, until he dosed in his easy chair; and when the sleepy fit was over, he played with him at cribbage or back-gammon, until the tea equipage appeared.

Then, he was an admirable cook, and helped his sister-in-law, with whom he was an especial favorite, to put up pickles and preserves, and prided himself upon catsup and elderberry-wine.  He had always some useful receipt for the old ladies; some pretty pattern for embroidery, or copy of amatory verses for the young, who never purchased a new dress without duly consulting Mr. Alfred as to the fashion of the material and the becomingness of the color.  Besides all these useful accomplishments, he visited the poor when they were sick, occasionally acting as their medical and ghostly adviser, and would take infinite pains in carrying about subscriptions for distressed individuals, whom he was unable to assist out of his own scanty funds.  He sang Italian and French songs with great taste and execution, and was a fine performer on the violin.  Such was the careless being to whom Mr. Hurdlestone, for the sake of saving a few pounds per annum, entrusted the education of his sons.