Page 128 - agnes-grey

he smiled—but I will not speak of that yet, for, at the time I
mention, I had never seen him smile: and, indeed, his gen-
eral appearance did not impress me with the idea of a man
given to such a relaxation, nor of such an individual as the
cottagers described him. I had early formed my opinion of
him; and, in spite of Miss Murray’s objurgations: was fully
convinced that he was a man of strong sense, firm faith, and
ardent piety, but thoughtful and stern: and when I found
that, to his other good qualities, was added that of true be-
nevolence and gentle, considerate kindness, the discovery,
perhaps, delighted me the more, as I had not been prepared
to expect it.

128 Agnes Grey