peculiarly
clean and well-fitting. He has an eye as sharp as an eagle's, a slight
hook to his nose, thin lips, and very white teeth; his countenance is as
full of energy and fire as that of lieutenant Flat is heavy and
unmeaning.

"Miss Amelia, if I may take the liberty," said Captain Bridgeman,
pointing with his cane to the bit of muslin she is employed upon; "what
are you making? it's too small for any part of a lady's dress."

"It is quite large enough for a cuff, Captain Bridgeman."

"A cuff; then you are making a cuff, I presume?"

"Indeed she is not, Captain Bridgeman," replies my mother; "it is only
to keep herself out of mischief. She spoils a bit like that every week.
And that's why it is so small, Captain Bridgeman; it would be a pity to
spoil a larger piece."

"I really was not aware that such a mere trifle would keep you out of
mischief," said the captain.

"You know," replied Aunt Milly, "that idleness is the root of all evil,
Captain Bridgeman."

"Flat, do you hear that?" says Captain Bridgeman.

"What?" replies Flat.

"That idleness is the root of all evil; what an evil-disposed person you
must be."

"I was thinking," replied Flat.

"I suspect it's only lately you've taken to that. Who or what were you
thinking about?"

"Well, I believe I was thinking how long it would be before dinner was
ready."

"That's very rude, Mr Flat; you might have said that you were thinking
about me," replied my aunt.

"Well, so I was at first, and then I began to think of dinner-time."

"Don't be offended, Miss Amelia; Flat pays you a great compliment in
dividing his attentions; but I really wish to know why ladies will spoil
muslin in such a predetermined manner. Will you explain that, Mrs
Keene?"

"Yes, Captain Bridgeman: a piece of work is very valuable to a woman,
especially when she finds herself in company with gentlemen like you.
It saves her from looking down, or looking at you, when you are talking
nonsense; it prevents your reading in her eyes what is passing in her
mind, or discovering what effect your words may have upon her; it saves
much awkwardness, and very often a blush; sometimes a woman hardly knows
which way to look; sometimes she may look any way but the right. Now a
bit of muslin with a needle is a remedy for all that, for she can look
down at her work, and not look up till she thinks it advisable."

"I thank you for your explanation, madam; I shall always take it as a
great