But yesterday married, you know. Can there be a
greater difference between any two men in the world, than there often is
between the same man, a lover, and a husband?--And now, my generous
advisers, be pleased to continue silent. You cannot answer me fairly.
And besides, wot ye not the indelicacy of an early present, which you are
not obliged to make?
We were both silent, each expecting the other to answer the strange
creature.
She laughed at us both. Soft souls, and tender! said she, let me tell
you, that there is more indelicacy in delicacy, than you very delicate
people are aware of.
You, Charlotte, said Lady L----, have odder notions than any body else.
Had you been a man, you would have been a sad rake.
A rake, perhaps, I might have been; but not a sad one, Lady L----.
Lady G---- can't help being witty, said I: it is sometimes her
misfortune, sometimes ours, that she cannot: however, I highly approve of
the example set by Lord L----, and followed by Lady L----.
And so do I, Harriet. And when Lord G---- sets the example, I shall--
consider of it. I am not a bad economist. Had I ten thousand pounds in
my hands, I would not be extravagant: had I but one hundred, I would not
be mean. I value not money but as it enables me to lay an obligation,
instead of being under the necessity of receiving one. I am my mother's
daughter, and brother's sister; and yours, Lady L----, in this
particular; and yours too, Harriet: different means may be taken to
arrive at the same end.
Pages:
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235