I have another proof to give you, my honoured mother, of the goodness of heart Charles continually exhibits. A gentleman, who visits very frequently this family, made him a present of a beautiful spaniel; young Falkland, our neighbour, had often asked for it; but the gentleman refused to give him it, because he treats his own dogs cruelly. You must know, Falkland has already five dogs, besides cats, pigeons, and a parrot. These afford him his chief employment; not to make them happy, but to please himself. Though he has so many, he was very much vexed that he could not get this dog. And what do you think happened? The dog died suddenly, and we have by chance discovered that Falkland made one of his servants poison the poor animal.—What monsters there are in the world! Yes, he must be a monster, I think, who deprives another of a pleasure when he receives no benefit from it himself. But the following conversation, when we were walking in the garden, soon after the discovery, will let you see how Charles behaves, even when he is angry. WILLIAM. I cannot help grieving about the poor dog. CHARLES. I acknowledge I am very sorry; I did not think that the loss of a dog would have affected me in such a manner;—but it was a very faithful one—and then the horrid agonies it endured—I cannot forget its groans. EDWARD. It was a villainous action of Falkland to destroy that poor beast in such a manner.—If it had happened to me, I could never forgive him. CHARLES. I can.—If I could not forgive him, I should be as wicked as himself. EDWARD. You are too good. I, for my part, hate him. CHARLES. I do not hate him, but I despise his vices;—and I pity him, for it is much to be feared he will become a bad man; an envious cruel heart seldom reforms itself, Dr. Bartlett says. EDWARD. Yesterday you called that treacherous fellow friend;—you see you are sometimes mistaken. CHARLES. I am apt to be mistaken in this particular; it is so pleasant to love and think well of people. EDWARD. But will you any longer keep up the acquaintance? CHARLES. No, certainly, without my father desires it; I should with difficulty conceal my dislike—it was such a mean action. EDWARD. Bravo! Now you speak to my mind; and, if you like it, I will give him a good drubbing.—Say yes, and I will make his bones ache. CHARLES. That would not give me back my poor dog. EDWARD. I will tell you what—he has five dogs, let us poison some of them; that he deserves at least. CHARLES. But those poor dogs—what have they done?