text:  And then we pretend to talk with horror of the family feuds of southern nations; and priding ourselves on our calm and passionless nature feel convinced that all the domestic virtues extant on earth have taken refuge in the British empire! Every day meanwhile I noticed that the handsome countenance of Everard Sparks grew gloomier and gloomier; and how was I to know that every day he received letters from his father announcing the unfavourable aspect of their suit; and that (owing as was supposed to the suggestions of General Stanley's solicitors) even the conduct of the adverse party was becoming offensive