Our hero’s personal appearance was by this time incredibly changed for the better.  His countenance, naturally expressive of feeling, firmness, and intellect, now appeared to additional advantage; so did his whole person, when dressed in a decent suit of black.  No man acquainted with life can be ignorant of the improvement which genteel apparel produce in the carriage, tone of thought, and principles of an individual.  It gives a man confidence, self-respect, and a sense of equality with his companions; it inspires him with energy, independence, delicacy of sentiment, courtesy of manner, and elevation of language.  The face becomes manly, bold, and free; the brow open, and the eye clear; there is no slinking through narrow lanes and back streets:  but, on the contrary, the smoothly dressed man steps out with a determination not to spare the earth, or to walk as if he trod on eggs or razors.  No; he brushes onward; is the first to accost his friends; gives a careless bow to this, a bluff nod to that, and a patronizing “how dy’e do” to a third, who is worse dressed than himself.  Trust me, kind reader, that good clothes are calculated to advance a man in life nearly as well as good principles, especially in a world like this, where external appearance is taken as the exponent of what is beneath it.

Jemmy, by the advice of his friend, now waited upon the Bishop, who was much surprised at the uncommon turn of fortune which had taken place in his favor.  He also expressed his willingness to help him forward, as far as lay in his power, towards the attainment of his wishes.  In order to place the boy directly under suitable patronage, Mr. O’Brien suggested that the choice of the school should be left to the Bishop.  This, perhaps, mattered him a little, for who is without his weaknesses?  A school near the metropolis was accordingly fixed upon, to which Jemmy, now furnished with a handsome outfit, was accordingly sent.  There we will leave him, reading with eagerness and assiduity, whilst we return to look after Colonel B. and his agent.

One morning after James’s departure, the Colonel’s servant waited upon Mr. O’Brien with a note from his master, intimating a wish to see him.  He lost no time in waiting upon that gentleman, who was then preparing to visit the estate which he had so long neglected.

“I am going,” said he, “to see how my agent, Yellow Sam, as they call him, and my tenants agree.  It is my determination, Mr. O’Brien, to investigate the circumstances attending the removal of our protege’s father.  I shall, moreover, look closely into the state and feelings of my tenants in general.  It is probable I shall visit many of them, and certain that I will inquire into the character of this man.”