I must own, he is a very extraordinary young man!
Yet we can know but a part of the good effected by a mind so active, and so virtuous. Though I perhaps know more than you, sir.
The very night we arrived at Paris, he prevented Mr. Clifton and the Count de Beaunoir from fighting a duel.
Yet never mentioned it; nor perhaps ever would, had not we afterward met with the Count at the Chateau de Villebrun.
Nay more, sir, but a day or two before that he saved the life of Mr. Clifton, he had submitted to the insult of a blow from him, rather than fight a duel.
He does not want courage, sir, you are convinced.
No, no--It is what he calls one of his principles not to fight duels--He is a very extraordinary young man!--And not I think much like his father.
As opposite, sir, as day and night, grace and deformity, virtue and vice.
You think but indifferently of Abimelech.
I think very ill of him, sir. I think him selfish, cunning, covetous, and dishonest.
In the eye of equity, though not perhaps of the law.
Why did not you tell me your opinion sooner?
No, sir: it made no impression, because you did not think it true. May be so--And you do not find any of these bad qualities in the son?
Bad!--If all the highest gifts of intellect; if memory, perspicuity, perception, and genius; added to all the virtues, wisdom, benevolence, philanthropy, and self-denial; if to be the active friend of man and the declared enemy of error, and of that alone; if these can entitle him to esteem, admiration, reverence and praise, why then esteem, admiration, reverence and praise are justly his due.
Because my encomiums are so very much beneath his deserts.
Anna--[Sir Arthur assumed a very serious tone, and look.]
Proceed, sir--Do not be afraid of questioning me. You shall find, my dear father, a child that will answer truly, affectionately, and I hope dutifully.
[I kissed his hand, pressed it, and wet it with an unwilling tear. The impassioned heart, Louisa, will sometimes rebel against the cold apathy of reason; but such revolt is but of short duration.]
Are you aware, Anna, of the state of your own affections?
But do you think, sir, I will not emulate the virtues I admire: or that, because I have a just sense of his worth, I will trespass against my duties to the world, my sex, my family and my father?