s
impossible for any one, of the least powers of observation, to fail of
detecting in Mr. Smith, though beneath a reserve and formality not very
easy to penetrate, a kind of scrupulous antique courtliness, suggesting
to you a resuscitated gentleman of the school of Addison, particularly
in his intercourse with ladies. He was caution personified,--never
saying any thing that required retraction or modification: and though
you might guess the contemptuous estimate which he had formed of some
particular person's character or doings, he rarely permitted himself to
express it. He would sometimes smile significantly at the recital, or
witnessing, of some particular absurdity or weakness; but I think that
no one ever heard him utter a hasty, harsh, or uncharitable judgment of
any body. He seemed, in fact, equally chary of giving praise or blame.
No man would laugh louder, or longer, on hearing, or being told, of some
signal and ludicrous miscarriage of another; but he would _say_ nothing,
except on very rare occasions, and among his intimate friends--and even
then, never any thing severe or violent. Tell him, however, of any thing
really mean and unworthy, or let him have witnessed it, and no one could
fail to see, calm and measured though Mr. Smith's _language_ might be,
the profound contempt, or the lively indignation with which he regarded
the delinquent and his delinquency. I fear, however, that I am
digressing.--He and I commenced our careers as special pleaders about
the same time, viz. in 1831; and not many days passed without our being
at each other's chambers, borrowing one another's books, or going out to
walk together, or conversing on law or other matters. I always listened
to what he said on legal subjects, as to a master: he was so ready, so
correct, so concise, so judicious, that his suggestions, upon any case
which I mentioned to him, were very valuable; and they were given with a
heartiness of good-nature that made them doubly welcome. He was
delighted to assist me, or any other of his friends. We were a small
circle, about that time, of some half a dozen; and I may take upon
myself to say, that we all cheerfully recognised in him our
superior--our _facile princeps_, from the first. Some of us set agoing a
little weekly periodical, called "The Legal Examiner," to which he was a
constant contributor--his papers being always characterised by point and
precision, though the style was dry and stiff. It grieves me to