Their tastes and occupations are similar to his, and I don't see why his conduct should awaken either their indignation or surprise.' 'You wrong me cruelly,' answered he.

'I have shared but little of Mr.
Huntingdon's society for the last few weeks; and as for his tastes and occupations, they are quite beyond me--lonely wanderer as I am.

Where I have but sipped and tasted, he drains the cup to the dregs; and if ever for a moment I have sought to drown the voice of reflection in madness and folly, or if I have wasted too much of my time and talents among reckless and dissipated companions, God knows I would gladly renounce them entirely and for ever, if I had but half the blessings that man so thanklessly casts behind his back--but half the inducements to virtue and domestic, orderly habits that he despises--but such a home, and such a partner to share it! It is infamous!' he muttered, between his teeth.
'And don't think, Mrs.Huntingdon,' he added aloud, 'that I could be guilty of inciting him to persevere in his present pursuits: on the contrary, I have remonstrated with him again and again; I have frequently expressed my surprise at his conduct, and reminded him of his duties and his privileges--but to no purpose; he only--' 'Enough, Mr.Hargrave; you ought to be aware that whatever my husband's faults may be, it can only aggravate the evil for me to hear them from a stranger's lips.' 'Am I then a stranger ?' said he in a sorrowful tone.

'I am your nearest neighbour, your son's godfather, and your husband's friend; may I not be yours also ?' 'Intimate acquaintance must precede real friendship; I know but little of you, Mr.Hargrave, except from report.' 'Have you then forgotten the six or seven weeks I spent under your roof last autumn?
I have not forgotten them.

And I know enough of you, Mrs.
Huntingdon, to think that your husband is the most enviable man in the world, and I should be the next if you would deem me worthy of your friendship.' 'If you knew more of me, you would not think it, or if you did you would not say it, and expect me to be flattered by the compliment.' I stepped backward as I spoke.