After his departure the family began to discuss his character somewhat
to the following effect:

"That is a fine young man," said Mr. Goodwin, "liberal-minded and
generous, or I am much mistaken. What do you think, Martha," he added,
addressing his wife.

"Upon my word," replied that lady, "I am much of your opinion--yet I
don't know either; although polite and courteous, there is something
rather disagreeable about him."

"Why," inquired her husband, "what is there disagreeable about him? I
could perceive nothing of the sort; and when we consider that his uncle,
who left this property to Alice, was his mother's brother, and that he
was nephew by blood as well as by law, and that it was the old man's
original intention that the property should go directly to him, or in
default of issue, to his brother--I think when we consider this, Martha,
that we cannot but entertain a favorable impression of him, considering
what he has lost by the unexpected turn given to his prospects in
consequence of his uncle's will. Alice, my dear, what is your opinion of
him?"

"Indeed, papa," she replied, "I have had--as we all have had--but a very
slight opportunity to form any opinion of him. As for me, I can judge
only by the impressions which his conversation and person have left upon
me."

"Well, anything favorable or otherwise?"

"Anything at all but favorable, papa--I experienced something like pain