***
THURSDAY MORNING.
Dr. Bartlett has just now taken leave of me, in my own dressing-room.
The parting scene between us was tender.
I have not given you my opinion of Miss Williams. Had I seen her at my
first coming to town, I should have taken as much notice of her, in my
letters to you, as I did of the two Miss Brambers, Miss Darlington, Miss
Cantillon, Miss Allestree, and others of my own sex; and of Mr. Somner,
Mr. Barnet, Mr. Walden, of the other; who took my first notice, as they
fell early in my way, and with whom it is possible, as well as with the
town-diversions, I had been more intimate, had not Sir Hargrave's vile
attempt carried me out of their acquaintance into a much higher; which of
necessity, as well as choice, entirely engrossed my attention. But now
how insipid would any new characters appear to you, if they were but of a
like cast with those I have mentioned, were I to make such the subjects
of my pen, and had I time before me; which I cannot have, to write again,
before I embrace you all, my dear, my ever dear and indulgent friends!
I will only say, that Miss Williams is a genteel girl; but will hardly be
more than one of the better sort of modern women of condition; and that
she is to be classed so high, will be owing more to Miss Clements's
lessons, than, I am afraid, to her mother's example.
Is it, Lucy, that I have more experience and discernment now, or less
charity and good-nature, than when I first came to town? for then I
thought well, in the main, of Lady Betty Williams.
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