Page:Rob Roy, the celebrated Highland freebooter, or, Memoirs of the Osbaldistone family (2).pdf/3



F O, a young man of a respectable family, had been several years at Bourdeaux, for the purpose of being instructed in the mercantile profession, when he was suddenly recalled by his father. During his residence abroad, Frank had devoted more time to the pursuits of literature than the ledger, and, therefore, when interrogated by his father with regard to the state of commerce in France, he discovered so much ignorance, that the old gentleman was highly displeased, and blamed Mr. Dubourg, to whose charge he had been committed. Frank exculpated that gentleman from all blame, and said that it was his own fault, as he fell no inclination for business. However, as he intended Frank to take a management in his own extensive concerns, Mr. Osbaldistone wished to put him under the charge of Mr. Owen, who had been long his own principal clerk, and had now a small share in the banking business; but Frank professed his dislike to the profession, and refused to comply with his father's wishes. Mr. Osbaldistone then asked his son what his own grave projects were; and on Frank saying he should like, either to travel for a few years, or attend the university, or obtain a commission in the army, he told him, in a rage, that unless he consented to his wishes, his nephew should inherit all his property, and gave him a month to consider of the proposal. During this interval, Mr. Owen tried to prevail with Frank, by every argument he could adduce, to come into his father's terms; but it was to no purpose; for, on the day appointed, he repeated to his father the aversion he had to the mercantile profession, hoping, at the same time, that by his refusal he would not forfeit the affection of a parent. Mr. Osbaldistone, on hearing Frank's ultimatum, told him, that since he refused to remain at home, he should immediately go to his uncle's, at Osbaldistone Hall, in Yorkshire, until some other arrangements were made.

Accordingly, next day, Frank set off on horseback for Yorkshire, with fifty guineas in his pocket. During the journey, he began to reflect that he had probably made himself an outcast from his family, and lost the affection of his father by his stubbornness; but, although he regretted what he had done, yet his pride would not allow him to return, and he continued his journey in very depressed spirits.

In the country through which he passed there were few objects to amuse a young traveller, except the conversation of a few strangers, such as country parsons, farmers, graziers, merchants, travellers, and now and then a recruiting officer; from whom Frank received information about creeds and tithes, cattle and