I do not say that his conduct may or may not justify it; but you will not deny that from the first you were prepared to receive him as an enemy rather than as a friend.

I heard a story some weeks ago in the town, which emanated no doubt from the servants, that you had actually struck him." "He hit Charlie, sir," Ned exclaimed.
"That may be," Mr.Porson went on gravely; "and I have no doubt, Ned, that you considered then, and that you consider now, that you were acting rightly in interfering on behalf of your brother.

But I should question much whether in such a matter you are the best judge.

You unfortunately began with a very strong prejudice against this man; you took up the strongest attitude of hostility to him; you were prepared to find fault with everything he said and did; you put yourself in the position of the champion of your mother, brother, and sister against him.

Under such circumstances it was hardly possible that things could go on well.