, at least, some command over his temper, and a
great deal of dexterity and penetration besides; whilst the mother,
though violent, was clumsy in her resentments, and transparent in her
motives. Short as Woodward's residence in the family was, he saw at
a glance that the abuse she heaped upon her husband and children was
nothing more nor less than deliberate falsehood. This, however, to him
was a matter of perfect indifference. He was no great advocate of truth
himself, whenever he found that his interests or his passions could be
more effectually promoted by falsehood; although he did not disdain even
truth whenever it equally served his purpose. In such a case it gave him
a reputation for candor under which he could, with more safety, avail
himself of his disingenuity and prevarication. He knew, as we said, that
his mother's description of the family contained not one atom of truth;
and yet he was too dastardly and cunning to defend them against her
calumny. The great basis of his character, in fact, was a selfishness,
which kept him perpetually indifferent to anything that was good or
generous in itself, or outside the circle of his own interests, beyond
which he never passed. Now, nothing, on the other hand, could be more
adversative to this, than the conduct, temper, and principles of his
brother and sister. Charles was an amiable, manly, and generous young
fellow, who, with both spirit and independence, was, as a natural
consequence, loved and respected by all who knew him; and as for his
sweet and affectionate sister, Maria, there was not living a girl more
capable of winning attachment, nor more worthy of it when attained; and
severely, indeed, was the patience of this admirable brother and sister
tried, by the diabolical temper of their violent and savage mother. As
for Harry, he had come to the resolution, now that he understood the
position of the property, to cultivate his mother's disposition upon
such a principle of conduct as would not compromise him with either
party. As to their feuds he was perfectly indifferent to them; but now
his great object was, to study how to promote his own interests in his
own way.

Having reached Beech Grove, he found that unassuming family at home,
as they usually were; for, indeed, all their principal enjoyments lay
within the quiet range of domestic life. Old Goodwin himself saw him
through the parlor window as he approached, and, with ready and sincere
kindness, met him i