Page:Honest debtor, or, The virtuous man struggling with, rising superior to, and overcoming misfortune (2).pdf/3

3 ' I endeavoured to learn what had indu- ced him to live in Holland. He answered, it was misfortune,' and in every thing that related to himself, I thought I perceived that he did not wish to come to an explanation. In the mean time, we spent all time he could spare together; and with a com- pliasance that my curiosity might sometimes fatigue, but never exhausted, he gave me information relative to whatever was inter- esting in Holland. You may be sure I began to conceive a particular affection for him. This is an en- tertaining young man, said I to Odelman, and I have the greatest reason to speak in his favour. It was doubtless, you that re- commended him to shew me such attention.' -"Not at all," answered he; but you are a Frenchman, and he idolizes his country. I am very glad however, to profit by its loss, for it has few more such to boast of. He is an essemblage of every estimable quality. Good sense, fidelity, indefatigable application, expertness in business, an ex- treme quickness nisety of preception ; a minuteness of method which nothing canes- cape; and, above all an economy--Ah! he is the man, indeed that knows the value of money.' ' The last article of his eulogium was not to my taste; and, in his excuse I observed, that it was allowable in the fortunate to