The Ayrshire Legatees

My brother had a hankering to be made a member of Parliament, and got Mr.

Charles Argent to speak to my father about it, but neither he nor my

mother would hear of such a thing, which I was very sorry for, as it

would have been so convenient to me for getting franks; and I wonder my

mother did not think of that, as she grudges nothing so much as the price

of postage. But nothing do I grudge so little, especially when it is a

letter from you. Why do you not write me oftener, and tell me what is

saying about us, particularly by that spiteful toad, Becky Glibbans, who

never could hear of any good happening to her acquaintance, without being

as angry as if it was obtained at her own expense?

I do not like Miss Argent so well on acquaintance as I did at first; not

that she is not a very fine lassie, but she gives herself such airs at

the harp and piano--because she can play every sort of music at the first

sight, and sing, by looking at the notes, any song, although she never

heard it, which may be very well in a play-actor, or a governess, that

has to win her bread by music; but I think the education of a modest

young lady might have been better conducted.

Through the civility of the Argents, we have been introduced to a great

number of families, and been much invited; but all the parties are so

ceremonious, that I am never at my ease, which my brother says is owing

to my rustic education, which I cannot understand; for, although the

people are finer dressed, and the dinners and rooms grander than what I

have seen, either at Irvine or Kilmarnock, the company are no wiser; and

I have not met with a single literary character among them. And what are

ladies and gentlemen without mind, but a well-dressed mob! It is to mind

alone that I am at all disposed to pay the homage of diffidence.

The acquaintance of the Argents are all of the first circle, and we have

got an invitation to a route from the Countess of J---y, in consequence

of meeting her with them. She is a charming woman, and I anticipate

great pleasure. Miss Argent says, however, she is ignorant and

presuming; but how is it possible that she can be so, as she was an

earl's daughter, and bred up for distinction? Miss Argent may be

presuming, but a countess is necessarily above that, at least it would

only become a duchess or marchioness to say so. This, however, is not

the only occasion in which I have seen the detractive disposition of that

young lady, who, with all her simplicity of manners and great

accomplishments, is, you will perceive, just like ourselves, rustic as

she doubtless thinks our breeding has been.