Chapter 9 - Page 2

awkward most of them were; and the best, mamma told me, - the most transcendent beauties among them, were nothing to me. As for me, Miss Grey - I'm so sorry you didn't see me! I was charming - wasn't I, Matilda?'

'Middling.'

'No, but I really was - at least so mamma said - and Brown and Williamson. Brown said she was sure no gentleman could set eyes on me without falling in love that minute; and so I may be allowed to be a little vain. I know you think me a shocking, conceited, frivolous girl; but then, you know, I don't attribute it all to my personal attractions: I give some praise to the hairdresser, and some to my exquisitely lovely dress - you must see it to-morrow - white gauze over pink satin - and so sweetly made! and a necklace and bracelet of beautiful, large pearls!'

'I have no doubt you looked very charming: but should that delight you so very much?'

'Oh, no! - not that alone: but, then, I was so much admired; and I made so many conquests in that one night - you'd be astonished to hear - '

'But what good will they do you?'

'What good! Think of any woman asking that!'

'Well, I should think one conquest would be enough; and too much, unless the subjugation were mutual.'

'Oh, but you know I never agree with you on those points. Now, wait a bit, and I'll tell you my principal admirers - those who made themselves very conspicuous that night and after: for I've been to two parties since. Unfortunately the two noblemen, Lord G- and Lord F-, were married, or I might have condescended to be particularly gracious to them; as it was, I did not: though Lord F-, who hates his wife, was evidently much struck with me. He asked me to dance with him twice - he is a charming dancer, by-the- by, and so am I: you can't think how well I did - I was astonished at myself. My lord was very complimentary too - rather too much so in fact - and I thought proper to be a little haughty and repellent; but I had the pleasure of seeing his nasty, cross wife ready to perish with spite and vexation - '

'Oh, Miss Murray! you don't mean to say that such a thing could really give you pleasure? However cross or - '

'Well, I know it's very wrong; - but never mind! I mean to be good some time - only don't preach now, there's a good creature. I haven't told you half yet. Let me see. Oh! I was going to tell you how many unmistakeable admirers I had:- Sir Thomas Ashby was one, - Sir Hugh Meltham and Sir Broadley Wilson are old codgers, only fit companions for papa and mamma. Sir Thomas is young, rich, and gay; but an ugly beast, nevertheless: however, mamma says I should not mind that after a few months' acquaintance. Then, there was Henry Meltham, Sir Hugh's younger son; rather good-looking, and a pleasant fellow to flirt with: but being a younger son, that is all he is good for; then there was young Mr. Green, rich enough, but of no family, and a great stupid fellow, a