VI

danimpudentmindatleastIwasmyselfpreparedforanimproperdegreeofconfidenceinLadySusanbuthercountenanceisabsolutelysweet,andhervoiceandmannerwinninglymild.Iamsorryitisso,forwhatisthisbutdeceit?Unfortunately,oneknowshertoowell.Sheiscleverandagreeable,hasallthatknowledgeoftheworldwhichmakesconversationeasy,andtalksverywell,withahappycommandoflanguage,whichistoooftenused,Ibelieve,tomakeblackappearwhite.Shehasalreadyalmostpersuadedmeofherbeingwarmlyattachedtoherdaughter,thoughIhavebeensolongconvincedtothecontrary.Shespeaksofherwithsomuchtendernessandanxiety,lamentingsobitterlytheneglectofhereducation,whichsherepresentshoweveraswhollyunavoidable,thatIamforcedtorecollecthowmanysuccessivespringsherladyshipspentintown,whileherdaughterwasleftinStaffordshiretothecareofservants,oragovernessverylittlebetter,topreventmybelievingwhatshesays. Ifhermannershavesogreataninfluenceonmyresentfulheart,youmayjudgehowmuchmorestronglytheyoperateonMr.Vernon’s