.
Dishonest?
In the eye of equity, though not perhaps of the law.
Why did not you tell me your opinion sooner?
I did, sir.
I do not remember it.
No, sir: it made no impression, because you did not think it true.
May be so—And you do not find any of these bad qualities in the son?
Bad!—If all the highest gifts of intellect; if memory, perspicuity, perception, and genius; added to all the virtues, wisdom, benevolence, philanthropy, and self-denial; if to be the active

friend of man and the declared enemy of error, and of that alone; if these can entitle him to esteem, admiration, reverence and praise, why then esteem, admiration, reverence and praise are justly his due.
You are warm in your encomiums.
Indeed, sir, I think I am cold.
How so?
Because my encomiums are so very much beneath his deserts.
Anna—[Sir Arthur assumed a very serious tone, and look.]
Proceed, sir—Do not be afraid of questioning me. You shall find, my dear father, a child that will answer truly, affectionately, and I hope dutifully.
[I kissed his hand, pressed it, and wet

it with an unwilling tear. The impassioned heart, Louisa, will sometimes rebel against the cold apathy of reason; but such revolt is but of short duration.]
Are you aware, Anna, of the state of your own affections?
I think so, sir.
You think?
Well then, I am certain.
You say Mr. Henley has no equal?
In my opinion, none, sir.
Look you there!
But do you think, sir, I will not emulate the virtues I admire: or that, because I have a just sense of his worth, I will trespass against my duties to the world, my sex, my family and my father?

Anna!—Child!—[The tears stood in Sir Arthur's eyes. He stretched out both hands, and I flew to his arms.—After a short interval of silence, Sir Arthur proceeded.] Tell me, Anna: What are your thoughts of Mr. Clifton?
I think him, sir, a very extraordinarily gifted gentleman.
But not a Mr. Henley?
Not at present, sir. Time I hope will make him one.
No, child, never.
Why so, sir?
I cannot tell why, but I am sure it never will. They are two very different men.
Mr. Clifton, sir, has uncommon powers of mind.
