These he endeavored to fling off, and in order to do so
more effectually, he gave a loose rein to the contemplation of his own
successful ambition. Yet he occasionally appeared anxious and uneasy,
and felt disturbed and gloomy fits that irritated him even for
entertaining them. He was more than usually nervous; his hand shook,
and his stern, strong voice had in its tones, when he spoke, the audible
evidences of agitation. These, we say, threw their deep shadows over
his mind occasionally, whereas a sense of triumph and gratified pride
constituted its general tone and temper.
"Well," said he, "so far so well: Lucy will soon become reconciled to
this step, and all my projects for her advancement will be--nay, already
are, realized. After all, my theory of life is the correct one, no
matter what canting priests and ignorant philosophers may say to the
contrary. Every man is his own providence, and ought to be his own
priest, as I have been. As for a moral plan in the incidents and
vicissitudes of life, I could never see nor recognize such a thing.
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