a blank. I protest, Charles, cried my wife, this is the way you always damp my girls and me when
we are in spirits. Tell me, Sophy, my dear, what do you think of our new visitor? Dont you think he
seemed to be good-natured?Immensely so, indeed, mamma, replied she. I think he has a great
deal to say upon every thing, and is never at a loss; and the more trifling the subject, the more he has
to say.Yes, cried Olivia, he is well enough for a man; but for my part, I dont much like him, he is so
extremely impudent and familiar; but on the guitar he is shocking. These two last speeches I interpreted
by contraries. I found by this, that Sophia internally despised, as much as Olivia secretly admired him.Whatever
may be your opinions of him, my children, cried I, to confess the truth, he has not prepossessed
me in his favour. Disproportioned friendships ever terminate in disgust; and I thought, notwithstanding all
his ease, that he seemed perfectly sensible of the distance between us. Let us keep to companions of
our own rank. There is no character more contemptible than a man that is a fortune-hunter; and I can
see no reason why fortune-hunting women should not be contemptible too. Thus, at best, we shall be
contemptible if his views be honourable; but if they be otherwise! I should shudder but to think of that!
It is true I have no apprehensions from the conduct of my children, but I think there are some from his
character.I would have proceeded, but for the interruption of a servant from the Squire, who, with
his compliments, sent us a side of evnison and a promise to dine with us some days after. This well-
timed present pleaded more powerfully in his favour than anything I had to say could obviate. I therefore
continued silent, satisfied with just having pointed out danger, and leaving it to their own discretion to
avoid it. That virtue which requires to be ever guarded is scarcely worth the sentinel.