I think very ill of him, sir. I think him selfish, cunning, covetous, and dishonest. Dishonest? In the eye of equity, though not perhaps of the law. Why did not you tell me your opinion sooner? I did, sir. I do not remember it. 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. You are warm in your encomiums. Indeed, sir, I think I am cold. How so? 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? I think so, sir. You think? Well then, I am certain. You say Mr. Henley has no equal? In my opinion, none, sir. Look you there! 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? Anna!--Child!--[The tears stood in Sir Arthur's eyes. He stretched out both hands, and I flew to his arms.--After a short interval of silence, Sir Arthur proceeded.] Tell me, Anna: What are your thoughts of Mr. Clifton? I think him, sir, a very extraordinarily gifted gentleman. But not a Mr. Henley? Not at present, sir. Time I hope will make him one. No, child, never. Why so, sir? I cannot tell why, but I am sure it never will. They are two very different men. Mr. Clifton, sir, has uncommon powers of mind. May be so; I suppose so; I only say they are very different men. Their tempers are different, their opinions, their manners, every thing. I do not imagine, sir, they will ever exactly resemble each other; but I think myself sure they will continually approach. Indeed! Yes, sir. May be so; but I own I doubt it. Mr. Clifton is a gentleman, both by birth and education. That I own, sir, may be a great disadvantage; but-- Disadvantage, child! Our conversation was here interrupted, Louisa, by a letter brought me from my brother. Read it, and judge of what I felt. Dear Sister,