I think, sir, you seem more thoughtful lately than usual. I am afraid there is something disturbs you. Can I--? No, no--Nothing--Not much. Worldly matters, which you do not understand. I am far from wishing, sir, to intrude into your private concerns; except they were such as might relate to me, and-- Mere money matters, child; of which you have no knowledge--[We paused; Sir Arthur seeming as if his mind laboured with a subject which he knew not how to begin]--Where is Mr. Henley? Retired to his apartment, sir. This is his time of day for study. He is a very learned young man. Not so learned I believe, sir, as wise. Are not they the same thing? I think not, sir. Well then, a very wise young man--You think him so; do you not, Anna? I do, sir. You have a very high opinion of him? I have, sir. Perhaps a higher than of any other young gentleman, with whom you are acquainted. I am indeed afraid, sir, I have never seen his equal. Humph!--You--You are not sparing of your praise. You asked me a question, sir, and would not have me guilty of equivocation, or falsehood. No, child: I am pleased with your sincerity; and I hope and expect you will be equally sincere in every thing you say. Of that, sir, you may be assured. What are your reasons for thinking so exceedingly well of Mr. Henley? My reasons, sir! Yes; your reasons. I own I am a little surprised at this question from you, sir; who have been a witness to so many of his virtues, and their effects. [I then briefly recapitulated the progress of Frank from a child in virtue, insisting on the numerous proofs of which we so lately had been witnesses. I recounted the histories of the highwayman, and of Peggy and her husband; the adventure of the lake; and the protection we found from his skill, strength, and courage at Deal; not forgetting the attendant incidents of each, nor neglecting to give such brief but strong touches as feeling dictated.] 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. Ay!--What? Let me hear. You think me partial already, sir. No, no. Let me hear. The very night we arrived at Paris, he prevented Mr. Clifton and the Count de Beaunoir from fighting a duel. Indeed! Yet never mentioned it; nor perhaps ever would, had not we afterward met with the Count at the Chateau de Villebrun. That was very odd! 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. A blow--? 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.