And would exclaim against the bad example--What ought to be done?
My opinion has been that the world would have cause to make this
complaint; but I now think, or rather imagine myself convinced that I
was in an error. It appears evident to my mind, at present, that we
ought to consider whether an action be in itself good or bad, just or
unjust, and totally to disregard both our own prejudices, and the
prejudices of the world. Were I to pay false homage to wealth and rank,
because the world tells me it is right that I should do so, and to
neglect genius and virtue, which my judgment tells me would be an
odious wrong, I should find but little satisfaction in the applause of
the world, opposed to self-condemnation.
Mr. Henley is a very good young man; a very good young man indeed; and
I believe I should even be willing to think of him for a son, if it
should not be opposed by the other branches of the family.
But that it surely will.
I am afraid so--Lord Fitz-Allen is half reconciled to us again, and I
would avoid breaking with him if possible. Your aunt has a good opinion
of Mr. Henley.
But a better of Mr. Clifton.
Yes, so I suppose. I must talk to Edward. Mr. Henley has been his
friend.
But Edward does not understand friendship. When he says friend he means
acquaintance; and he finds him the most agreeable acquaintance, who
tells him least truth; which certainly is not Mr. Henley. I have
observed him lately to be rather fond of the company of Mr. Clifton,
whom he thinks a better companion.