"You are too young, Georgiana, to have an opinion; for, having seen nothing of the world, you are not able to compare and combine circumstances in such a manner as to form a just judgment. No person of fashion ever laughs out from the impulse of the heart, like old Mr. Palmer, for instance (surely that daughter of his who is coming here knows better); but many people, of the highest grade, allow themselves to giggle a little, especially when they have fine teeth—and you know hers are perfect. Many persons must laugh when a great person or an acknowledged wit says a clever thing, such as a smart repartee, or a really good pun. Satirical people always expect a short laugh to follow the effusions of their—their malignity, shall I call it?"
"I never would pay them that compliment," said Helen.
"Indeed you must; girls in your situation must follow, not lead. Nothing less than an heiress who is also a beauty can pretend to a high tone of morality; but I am leaving the subject. Lady Penrhyn says wild things, ill-natured things, and at times witty things, from no motive whatever but that of keeping up the laugh and the motion, which diverts the eye from the only defect in her person; and it certainly answers. Her tact is admirable, and offers an example to all young people, since none of them know what may be required for themselves in future life."
With this sage and just observation Lady Anne left
