I asked Sir George jocosely, what he had brought me home? He answered, perhaps a good husband.--My mother catched up the word--What do you mean, Son? I mean, madam, that there is come over with me a gentleman, with whom I became acquainted in Germany, who, of all the men I ever knew, I should wish to have for a brother. If Sidney should fortunately be born under the influence of _uncommonly_ good stars, it may happen to be brought about. I can tell you (applying himself to me) he is prepossessed in your favour already; I have shewn him some of your letters, and he thinks you a good sensible girl. I told him you were very well in your person, and that you have had an excellent education. I hope so, said my mother, looking pleased; and what have you to tell us of this wonderful man that so much surpasses every body? Why, madam for _your_ part of his character, he is the best _behaved_ young man I ever saw. I never knew any body equal to him for sobriety, nor so intirely free from all the other vices of youth: as I lived in the same house with him for some months, I had frequent opportunities of making my observations. I have known him to _avoid_ many irregularities, but never saw him guilty of _one_. An admirable character indeed said my mother. So thought I too; but I wanted to know a little more of him. Now Sidney for your share in the description; I must tell you he is most exquisitely handsome, and extremely sensible. Good sense to be sure is requisite, said my mother, but as for beauty it is but a fading flower at best, and in a man not at all necessary--A man is not the worse for it, however, cried my brother--No--my mother answered, provided it does not make him vain, and too fond of the admiration of giddy girls--That I will be sworn is not the case of my friend, answered Sir George, I believe no body with such a person as his (if there _can_ be such another) would be so little vain of it; nay, I have heard him declare, that even in a woman he would give the preference to sense and virtue. Good young man! cried my mother, I should like to be acquainted with him. (So should I, whispered I to my own heart). Well brother, said I, you have drawn a good picture; but to make it complete, you must throw in generosity, valour, sweetness of temper, and a great deal of money--Fie my dear (said my good _literal_ parent) a _great deal_ is not necessary; a very moderate fortune with _such_ a man is sufficient. The good qualities you require in the finishing of my piece, answered my brother, he possesses in an eminent degree--will that satisfy you? As for his fortune--_there_ perhaps a difficulty may step in--What estate madam (to my mother) do you think my sister's fortune may intitle her to? Dear brother, I cried, pray do not speak in that _bargaining_ way.