I thought I could understand how such a nature as my guardian's, experienced in the world and forced to contemplate the miserable evasions and contentions of the family misfortune, found an immense relief in Mr. Skimpole's avowal of his weaknesses and display of guileless candour; but I could not satisfy myself that it was as artless as it seemed or that it did not serve Mr. Skimpole's idle turn quite as well as any other part, and with less trouble.

My guardian, experienced in the world and forced to contemplate the miserable contentions of the family misfortune, found an immense relief in Mr. Skimpole's guileless candour; but I could not satisfy myself that it was as artless as it seemed.
