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 in the hall.

“I am very glad to see you, Mr. Woodward,” said he.  “Allow me to conduct you to the drawing-room, where you will meet Mrs. Goodwin, Alice, and a particular friend of ours.  I cannot myself stop long with you, because I am engaged on particular business; but you will not miss an old fellow like me when you have better company.  I hope my old friends are all well.  Step in, sir.  Here is Mr. Woodward, ladies; Mr. Woodward, this gentleman is a friend of ours, Mr. Ferdora O’Connor; Ferdora, this is Mr. Woodward; and now I must leave you to entertain each other; but I shall return, Mr. Woodward, before you go, unless you are in a great harry.  Bridget, see that luncheon is ready; but you must lay it in the front parlor, because I have these tenants about me in the dining-room, as it is so much larger.”