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mother of Edward Hardy had died while he was yet an infant: thus he had been deprived of the tender guardian of his youth—of her who would have trained him in the paths of virtue, and instilled into his mind principles of rectitude and honour. While yet a boy he had accompanied his father in his voyages, and the lawless habits and profane conversation of the sailors had produced the worst effects on his mind. Youth is seldom depraved; at first he turned with disgust from their low jests and scenes of riot and debauchery. Habit renders all things familiar; the first fine edge of shame was soon worn off, and ere long he became a partaker of what he so lately abhorred. Yet Edward was not one of those to whom vice becomes all at once familiar, and there were many redeeming points in his character. He was brave, generous, and an affectionate son. How long it might have been ere the constant contagion of bad example would have become altogether fatal to him is uncertain; his bravery might have degenerated into brutal courage; his generosity into profusion. The above-mentioned resolution of his father saved him from a fate so dreadful. There was something in the better parts of Edward's character which assimilated with that of Henry, and they soon became inseparable friends. Often at the farm, Edward had frequent opportunities