Page:Letters of Life.djvu/265

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LOVE AND MARRIAGE.
253

his theory, that he decried the use of newspapers for the young, as tending to debase the style by bad models of composition, and to weaken the retentive powers by reading what they did not intend to remember, and what was not worthy of being remembered. He was watchful against new-coined words and innovations of the language, constantly referring to the large edition of Dr. Johnson's Dictionary for etymology and shades of signification.

Possibly a fondness for the study of geometry in boyhood might have contributed to develop the perception of symmetry, and the features of order and exactness that characterized his mind. His style of conversation was refined, and he never hesitated to introduce intellectual and elevated subjects, from which some might be deterred by the imputation of pedantry. His manners, marked by the courtesy of the old school, had a mixture of dignity which would be sure to repel all undue familiarity. Cheered by intercourse with him, and the beloved ones whose beautiful mansion was as a home, the fair spring had reached its meridian, when, with a heart overflowing with gratitude to my benefactors, and prayers that Heaven would repay them fourfold, he accompanied me to my parents. Having a noble horse that he was fond of driving, and an easy chaise, he preferred on this occasion that primitive form of conveyance to a more ostentatious equipage. Thus we had liberty to enjoy the varied landscape, beautified