Anne, far from wishing to cavil at the pleasure, replied, "I can easily

believe it. Women of that class have great opportunities, and if they

are intelligent may be well worth listening to. Such varieties of

human nature as they are in the habit of witnessing! And it is not

merely in its follies, that they are well read; for they see it

occasionally under every circumstance that can be most interesting or

affecting. What instances must pass before them of ardent,

disinterested, self-denying attachment, of heroism, fortitude,

patience, resignation: of all the conflicts and all the sacrifices

that ennoble us most. A sick chamber may often furnish the worth of

volumes."

"Yes," said Mrs Smith more doubtingly, "sometimes it may, though I fear

its lessons are not often in the elevated style you describe. Here and

there, human nature may be great in times of trial; but generally

speaking, it is its weakness and not its strength that appears in a

sick chamber: it is selfishness and impatience rather than generosity

and fortitude, that one hears of. There is so little real friendship

in the world! and unfortunately" (speaking low and tremulously) "there

are so many who forget to think seriously till it is almost too late."

Anne saw the misery of such feelings. The husband had not been what he

ought, and the wife had been led among that part of mankind which made

her think worse of the world than she hoped it deserved. It was but a

passing emotion however with Mrs Smith; she shook it off, and soon

added in a different tone-"I do not suppose the situation my friend Mrs Rooke is in at present,

will furnish much either to interest or edify me. She is only nursing

Mrs Wallis of Marlborough Buildings; a mere pretty, silly, expensive,

fashionable woman, I believe; and of course will have nothing to report

but of lace and finery. I mean to make my profit of Mrs Wallis,

however. She has plenty of money, and I intend she shall buy all the

high-priced things I have in hand now."

Anne had called several times on her friend, before the existence of

such a person was known in Camden Place. At last, it became necessary

to speak of her. Sir Walter, Elizabeth and Mrs Clay, returned one

morning from Laura Place, with a sudden invitation from Lady Dalrymple

for the same evening, and Anne was already engaged, to spend that

evening in Westgate Buildings. She was not sorry for the excuse. They

were only asked, she was sure, because Lady Dalrymple being kept at

home by a bad cold, was glad to make use of the relationship which had

been so pressed on her; and she declined on her own account with great

alacrity--"She was engaged to spend the evening with an old

schoolfellow." They were not much interested in anything relative to

Anne; but still there were questions enough asked, to make it

understood what this old schoolfellow was; and Elizabeth was

disdainful, and Sir Walter severe.




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