 can be plainer,« returned t'other, and
looked round with his usual importance. - »Very well,« cried the 'Squire,
speaking very quick, »the premises being thus settled, I proceed to observe,
that the concatanation of self existences, proceeding in a reciprocal duplicate
ratio, naturally produce a problematical dialogism, which in some measure proves
that the essence of spirituality may be referred to the second predicable« -
»Hold, hold,« cried the other, »I deny that: Do you think I can thus tamely
submit to such heterodox doctrines?« - »What,« replied the 'Squire, as if in a
passion, »not submit! Answer me one plain question: Do you think Aristotle right
when he says, that relatives are related?« »Undoubtedly,« replied the other. -
»If so then,« cried the 'Squire, »answer me directly to what I propose: Whether
do you judge the analytical investigation of the first part of my enthymem
deficient secundum quoad, or quoad minus, and give me your reasons: give me your
reasons, I say, directly.« - »I protest,« cried Moses, »I don't rightly
comprehend the force of your reasoning; but if it be reduced to one simple
proposition, I fancy it may then have an answer.« - »O, sir,« cried the 'Squire,
»I am your most humble servant, I find you want me to furnish you with argument
and intellects too. No, sir, there I protest you are too hard for me.« This
effectually raised the laugh against poor Moses, who sate the only dismal figure
in a groupe of merry faces: nor did he offer a single syllable more during the
whole entertainment.
    But though all this gave me no pleasure, it had a very different effect upon
Olivia, who mistook it for humour, though but a mere act of the memory. She
thought him therefore a very fine gentleman; and such as consider what powerful
ingredients a good figure, fine cloaths, and fortune, are in that character,
will easily forgive her. Mr. Thornhill, notwithstanding his real ignorance,
talked with ease, and could expatiate upon the common topics of conversation
with fluency. It is not surprising then that such talents should win the
affections of a girl, who by education was taught to value an appearance in
herself, and consequently to set a value upon it in another.
    Upon his departure, we again entered into a debate upon the merits of our
young landlord. As
