nor why Mr Simpkins got the ten thousand pound prize in the
lottery, and we sate down with a blank. 'I protest, Charles,'
cried my wife, 'this is the way you always damp my girls and me
when we 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