] I was very favourably impressed (older man thing, I think!)

Ditto ditto!

When John spoke to him at the theater, I was afraid John might be "telling tales" about Catherine that would make the General think either that John & Catherine were attached, or that Catherine was a wild girl (open carriage rides!) wholly unsuitable as a match for Henry. I didn't see any danger originating with the General. I suppose it is odd that he & John knew each other. Where from?

One big reason I trust the General is the conduct of his children. How could an ogre raise two such delightful & generous people?

] ] In ch. 13 he is all civility, inviting her into the drawing room, trying to get her to stay for dinner, procuring her attendance at a later date, admiring the elasticity of her walk... Very kind and gentlemanly, if a bit much. I mean, it does seem like overkill, doesn't it?

I just figured he knows how much Henry likes Catherine, and is a bit giddy at the prospect of her joining the family. He's starting to tease her as if she already were.