LETTER LIII.
William to his Mother.
Edward is come again this afternoon, and looks very well. He informed us of a disagreeable accident which happened lately, and shows very clearly how imprudent it is to talk idly, and merely for the sake of having something to say, to canvass the faults or even the vices of others. But I will give you the particulars of a conversation we had in consequence of this information.
EDWARD.
You knew Colonel Brown, Charles. Last week Captain Fiery shot him.
CHARLES.
And for what reason?
EDWARD.
Because his son, in a large company, spoke very disrespectfully of the Captain, and said he was a man whose word could not be depended on.
CHARLES.
Suppose it was so, it was not proper to speak of it, especially in a large company; these kind of conversations proceed oftener from folly than from a detestation of vice, or a nice sense of honour, which makes a person feel indignation, when any of his fellow-creatures act meanly.