MR. STEDIMAN. 
chances as “Too soon,” “ Too rash.” Much has been 
said and written upon rash speculation, so a word, in 
conclusion, maybe said, on the very cautious, procrasti- 
nating man. If he lives long enough, he will probably 
obtain a competency, but will never be rich. I question 
much if he will enjoy the fruit of his labours. From long 
habits, he will be afraid, always in fear of losing it, 
which will in a great measure mar the pleasure derived 
from its use. 
CHAPTER XVII. 
A Prodigy of a Scotch Superintendent. 
Mr. John Stediman was quite a different character from 
Mr, Sandy: he was a Scotchman, and Mr. Sandy was 
English, which may in some manner account for the 
difference.^ Mr. Stediman did not come out on 
chance. He was engaged for a term of years, upon 
five pounds a month, a free house, which was always 
given, such as it was, and his passage paid out. 
Arrived on the scene or site of his labours, he devoted 
his whole and sole attention to them. Such a thing 
as amusement, recreation, visiting, or receiving visit- 
ors, never once entered into his mind. Not that he 
was the least inhospitable in the way of treating his 
guests : far from it, but he made no difference for 
them in any way, told them to amuse theme elves as 
they could during his absence at work. At dinner,, 
it w^as just plain fare, the invariable curry and rice,, 
with a piece of salt beef, or pork, out of the keg. 
Mr. Stediman, although in all points quite con- 
sistent in his habits of steadiness, was always willing- 
and ready to make all allowance for those of a contrary 
habit; he condemned none : all he desired and required 
was that he should also be let alone, and follow his 
own line of conduct. Pie generally was allowed to 
do so, for all seemed to have a respect for his 
thoroughly correct, persistently correct course of life. 
He seldom refused any invitation to a spread or spree. 
He would sit up till past midnight at tbe hotels in 
Kandy, and seemed to enjoy himself more than any 
one else, while never once making a slip at the social; 
table ; tbe bottle never passed him, whether it was’ 
* Mr. Millie may be thought to be rather “rough’ 
on those of the planters who are Englishmen, and 
are neither spendthrifts nor neglectful of business. 
He is referring, of course, to a past generation, bufe 
even then the remark is a too sweeping one — Ed. 
