By the
Argents we have been introduced effectually into society, and have
now only to choose our acquaintance among those whom we like best.
I should employ another word than choose, for I am convinced that
there is no choice in the matter. In his friendships and
affections, man is subject to some inscrutable moral law, similar in
its effects to what the chemists call affinity. While under the
blind influence of this sympathy, we, forsooth, suppose ourselves
free agents! But a truce with philosophy.
The amount of the legacy is now ascertained. The stock, however, in
which a great part of the money is vested being shut, the transfer
to my father cannot be made for some time; and till this is done, my
mother cannot be persuaded that we have yet got anything to trust
to--an unfortunate notion which renders her very unhappy. The old
gentleman himself takes no interest now in the business. He has got
his mind at ease by the payment of all the legacies; and having
fallen in with some of the members of that political junto, the
Saints, who are worldly enough to link, as often as they can, into
their association, the powerful by wealth or talent, his whole time
is occupied in assisting to promote their humbug; and he has
absolutely taken it into his head, that the attention he receives
from them for his subscriptions is on account of his eloquence as a
preacher, and that hitherto he has been altogether in an error with
respect to his own abilities.
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