I did not interfere in the debate, only said, I was very glad to have my mother's approbation of my conduct. This put an end to the argument, and my mother launched out into high encomiums on Mr Faulkland. She said, upon her _truth_, he was the finest young man she ever saw, in every respect. So modest, so well bred, so very entertaining, and so unassuming, with all his fine accomplishments: She was quite astonished, and owned she almost despaired of finding a young gentleman, of the present mode of education, so _very_ unexceptionable in his behaviour. If his morals answered to his outward deportment--there she stopped; or rather Sir George interrupted her. I hope you'll believe madam, that my knowlege of mankind is not so circumscribed, but that I can distinguish between a real and an assumed character; and I will venture to assert, that, in the whole circle of my acquaintance, I do not know _one_ so unobjectionable, even in your strict sense of the word _morals_, as Mr Faulkland. Well, said my mother, I have the pleasure to observe to you (and I think I am seldom mistaken in my judgment), that Mr Faulkland is at least as well pleased with Sidney as we are with him--What say you daughter? Ay, what _say_ you sister? cry'd Sir George--I think madam, that Mr Faulkland is an accomplished gentleman, and--'and that you could be content to look no farther, if matters are brought to bear; eh, Sidney?' (I need not tell you whose speech this was)--Brother, that is going a little too far, for the first time of my seeing him. A great _deal_ too far, my mother said; let us first know Mr Faulkland's mind from himself, before we say a word more of the matter. Sir George told us, that Mr Faulkland, at going away, had requested he would sup with him at his own house, as he said he had a few visits of form to pay, and should be at home early in the evening. _May 24_