ould talk at all; but Laura said
there was no fear of Charlotte's tongue ever being still, and Charles
rejoined,--

'Don't you know that Philip considers it due to himself that his
audience should never be without conversation suited to their capacity?'

'Nonsense, Charlie!'

'Nay, I give him credit for doing it as well as it is in nature of
things for it to be done. The strongest proof I know of his being a
superior man, is the way he adapts himself to his company. He lays down
the law to us, because he knows we are all born to be his admirers; he
calls Thorndale his dear fellow and conducts him like a Mentor; but
you may observe how different he is with other people--Mr. Ross, for
instance. It is not showing off; it is just what the pattern hero should
be with the pattern clergyman. At a dinner party he is quite in his
place; contents himself with leaving an impression on his neighbour that
Mr. Morville is at home on every subject; and that he is the right thing
with his brother officers is sufficiently proved, since not even Maurice
either hates or quizzes him.'

'Well, Charlie,' said Laura, well pleased, I am glad you are convinced
at last.'

'Do you think I ever wanted to be convinced that we were created for
no other end than to applaud Philip? I was fulfilling the object of our
existence by enlarging on a remark of Guy's, that nothing struck him
more than the way in which Philip could adapt his conversation to the
hearers. So the hint was not lost on me; and I came to the conclusion
that it was a far greater proof of his sense than all the maxims he
lavishes on us.'

'I wonder Guy was the person to make the remark,' said Laura; 'for it is
strange that those two never appear to the best advantage together.'

'Oh, Laura, that would be the very reason,' said Amy.

'The very reason?' said Charles. Draw out your meaning, Miss.'

'Yes,' said Amy, colouring, 'If Guy--if a generous person, I mean--were
vexed with another sometimes, it would be the very reason he would make
the most of all his goodness.'

'Heigh-ho!' yawned Charles. What o'clock is it? I wonder when Guy is
ever coming back from that Lascelles.'

'Your wonder need not last long,' said Laura; 'for I see him riding into
the stable yard.'

In a few minutes he had entered; and, on being asked if he had met
Philip and Charlotte, and how they were getting on, he replied,--'A good
deal like the print of Dignity and Impudence,' at the same time thro