This had a singular sound, but the old man felt himself destitute of the materials for a judgment.

It seemed to him that he ought to find them in his own experience, as a man of the world and an almost public character; but they were not there, and he was ashamed to confess to himself--much more to reveal to Eugenia by interrogations possibly too innocent--the unfurnished condition of this repository.
It appeared to him that he could get much nearer, as he would have said, to his nephew; though he was not sure that Felix was altogether safe.

He was so bright and handsome and talkative that it was impossible not to think well of him; and yet it seemed as if there were something almost impudent, almost vicious--or as if there ought to be--in a young man being at once so joyous and so positive.

It was to be observed that while Felix was not at all a serious young man there was somehow more of him--he had more weight and volume and resonance--than a number of young men who were distinctly serious.

While Mr.Wentworth meditated upon this anomaly his nephew was admiring him unrestrictedly.