e are in Spirits. Tell me, Sophy, my dear, what do you think
of our new visitor? Don't 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 don't 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 a truth, he has not prepossest 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 venison, and a promise to dine with us
some days after. This well-timed present pleaded more powerfully in his
favour, than any thing 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 scarce worth the centinel.

CHAPTER 6

The happiness of a country fire-side

As we carried on the former dispute with some degree of warmth, in order
to accommodate matters, it was universally agreed, that we should have
a part of the venison for supper, and the girls undertook the task with
alacrity. 'I am sorry,' cried I, 'that we have no neighbour or stranger
to take a part in this good cheer: feasts of this kind acquire a double
relish from hospitality.'--'Bless me,' cried my wife, 'here comes our
good friend Mr Burchell, that saved our Sophia, and that run you down
fairly in the argument'--'Confute me in argument, c