s
so characteristic of his own mind. I never sought his advice when
perplexed, or in doubt, that he did not, by his wise counsel, throw
light on the matters presented. But I will not dwell on these things,
yet I can never forget them. I have had other friends who were very
dear to me, but never such a friend as Mr. Charless; and what he was to
me in our peculiar relations, such he was also to many, many others, in
the various relations of life. But while so true and valuable a
friend, I do not think I ever knew a man who made fewer declarations or
professions of friendship.

You will get a very good idea of your grandfather's personal
appearance from the excellent portraits of him in the family. He was
slightly above the average height, well developed, without being
corpulent, had a firm elastic step, and motions indicating vigor and
health. His eye was bright, but mild, his features regular and
unusually handsome, and his countenance was habitually lighted up by an
intelligence and benignity which gave it a peculiar charm, and inspired
even strangers with a confidence that such a face could not belong to
any but a good and upright man. Mr. Charless was an exceedingly
pleasant companion, and, without being either brilliant or witty in
conversation, his society was courted and his arrival was always hailed
with pleasure by the company in which he mingled, for he brought with
him a bright face, a cheerful heart, a genial humor and hearty
cordiality that seemed to diffuse itself through all around--children,
young people and old people seemed alike to enjoy his society--yet he
never seemed to me to make an effort to "be agreeable," he only acted
out his natural feelings and disposition, and this was agreeable.

I hesitate some in describing your grandfather as a very polished
and polite man. I fear you might put a meaning to those words which
would lead you into a wrong view of his character: there is a polish
and politeness that is the result of art and painstaking--a thing on
the surface--often a disguise, having its root in expediency, always
self-conscious and often selfish--something that may please us because
it flatters us, but does not win us because we cannot trust it.
Nothing could be more unlike Mr. Charless than this. Yet there is a
polish which flows from a nice sense of what is fitting and proper to
be done in social intercourse, from ease and self-possession, from a
kind heart and desire to make o