society for neglect. So, collecting a few facts and fancies, putting on her most fatigued face, she began talking, while the daughters sat such complete personifications of indifference, that Mrs. Granville might very well have addressed her ode to either of them.
"Mrs. De Lisle's rooms were so crowded last night—very brilliant. Still, alas!"—(here Mrs. Fergusson looked philosophical)—"the weariness of pleasure; but these dear girls were in such requisition, it was nearly day before we left. Conceive my fatigue."
"Why then," said her hearer, very quietly, "did you not leave before?"
"Ah, Lady Alicia, how little do you understand the feelings of a mother! Could I break in upon their young pleasures? Besides"—and here her voice sank to a whisper—"I do own my weakness; yet what maternal heart but must be gratified by such admiration as was excited by my sweet Laura? It is dangerous to a young head; but she is so simple, so unpretending."
"Very true," said her ladyship.
Now came one of those audible pauses, the tickings of the death-watch of English conversation. This was broken by Mrs. Fergusson's
