so, or even of forming a common acquaintance. The fault may be partly in myself, but I hope not altogether."
"The fault is partly in society, and partly, I should think, in your immediate neighbours, and partly, too, in yourself; for many ladies, in your position, would make themselves be noticed and accounted of. But your pupils should be companions for you in some degree; they cannot be many years younger than yourself."
"Oh yes, they are good company sometimes; but I cannot call them friends, nor would they think of bestowing such a name on me—they have other companions better suited to their tastes."
"Perhaps you are too wise for them. How do you amuse yourself when alone—do you read much?"
"Reading is my favourite occupation when I have leisure for it, and books to read."
From speaking of books in general, he passed to different books in particular, and proceeded by rapid transitions from topic to topic, till several matters, both of taste and opinion, had been discussed considerably within the space of
