No matter, Harriet! There may be some wisdom in much folly. Every one
speaks not out so plainly as I do. But when the novelty of an
acquisition or change of condition is over, be the change or the
acquisition what it will, the principal pleasure is over, and other
novelties are hunted after, to keep the pool of life from stagnating.
This is a serious truth, my dear, and I expect you to praise me for it.
You are very sparing of your praise to poor me; and yet I had rather have
your good word, than any woman's in the world: or man's either, I was
going to say; but I should then have forgot my brother. As for Lord
G----, were I to accustom him to obligingness, I should destroy my own
consequence: for then it would be no novelty; and he would be hunting
after a new folly.--Very true, Harriet.
Well, but we have had a good serious falling-out; and it still subsists.
It began on Friday night; present, Lord and Lady L----, and Emily. I was
very angry with him for bringing it on before them. The man has no
discretion, my dear; none at all. And what about? Why, we have not made
our appearance at court, forsooth.
A very confident thing, this same appearance, I think! A compliment made
to fine clothes and jewels, at the expense of modesty.
Lord G---- pleads decorum--Decorum against modesty, my dear!--But if by
decorum is meant fashion, I have in a hundred instances found decorum
beat modesty out of the house.
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