like a _fineering_, which does not make a part of the plank to which it is cemented, but is glued on to a material less fine than itself. He _reasons_ more than he _feels_, is more solid than brilliant, and wants that beautiful _lightning_ of the mind which plays sometimes round characters not half so intrinsically valuable as his, with fascinating illumination. Such is my brief sketch of 'poor George,' as his uncle calls him. The future is concealed in mist. If a child of mine ever love young Bentley well enough to marry him, she shall have my full consent, for I am _sure_ of all the essentials that give security for substantial peace. The graces which he wants _may_ be dispensed with. The virtues which he possesses are indispensible; but I shall avoid giving _direction_ to the inclination of my girl, towards any particular objects, not because I do not think that many a parent might choose more wisely than young people do for themselves; but there is something perhaps inseparable from the human heart, which renders us more willing to excuse our own blunders, than those of even the people whom we love best. "Youth is easily deceived;" "love is blind," &c. Many of these flattering aphorisms occur to extenuate our own errors, while the question of "how did _your_ experience fail, how did you commit a mistake?" arises in the heart, though it may not be expressed by the lips, of every young romancer, who, finding life a chequered scene in which the _tessalæ_ of black and white, hold perpetual contrast, attributes to the influence of a friend's advice, the failure of those _generally_ disappointed hopes that paint the marriage state in colours bright and fleeting as the imagination which supplies them. This moment comes a letter from the India House, to say that my poor brother, General Douglas, has had so serious an attack of illness, that his voyage to England is hastened, and we are informed, that his arrival may be looked for immediately. How this event may operate at Glenalta, I cannot tell; but though "the noiseless tenour of my way" should be disturbed, I shall rejoice if it be permitted me to afford comfort and assistance to the invalid. Adieu, my Elizabeth. Your faithful CAROLINE DOUGLAS. LETTER XXII. ARTHUR HOWARD TO CHARLES FALKLAND. My dear Charles,