B---- by that name, for fear it should become a fashion
for all our ladies to do the like through the county. I, sir, said I,
shall have many reasons to continue this style, which cannot affect your
good ladies.
Sir Simon, said Lady Jones, you are very arch upon us but I see very
well, that it will be the interest of all the gentlemen, to bring their
ladies into an intimacy with one that can give them such a good example.
I am sure then, madam, said I, it must be after I have been polished and
improved by the honour of such an example as yours.
They all were very good and affable; and the young Lady Darnford, who had
wished to see me in this dress, said, I beg your pardon, dear miss, as
she called me; but I had heard how sweetly this garb became you, and was
told the history of it; and I begged it, as a favour, that you might
oblige us with your appearance in it. I am much obliged to your
ladyship, said I, that your kind prescription was so agreeable to my
choice. Why, said she, was it your choice then?--I am glad of that:
though I am sure your person must give, and not take, ornament from any
dress.
You are very kind, madam, said I: but there will be the less reason to
fear I should forget the high obligations I should have to the kindest of
gentlemen, when I can delight to shew the humble degree from which his
goodness had raised me.
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