think the
example worth following--And then--

Ay, and then give him my thousand pounds for a beginning, Lady L----?
But see you not that this proposal should come from him, not from me?--
And should we not let each other see a little of each other's merits
first?

See, first, the merits of the man you have married, Charlotte!

Yes, Lady L----. But yesterday married, you know. Can there be a
greater difference between any two men in the world, than there often is
between the same man, a lover, and a husband?--And now, my generous
advisers, be pleased to continue silent. You cannot answer me fairly.
And besides, wot ye not the indelicacy of an early present, which you are
not obliged to make?

We were both silent, each expecting the other to answer the strange
creature.

She laughed at us both. Soft souls, and tender! said she, let me tell
you, that there is more indelicacy in delicacy, than you very delicate
people are aware of.

You, Charlotte, said Lady L----, have odder notions than any body else.
Had you been a man, you would have been a sad rake.

A rake, perhaps, I might have been; but not a sad one, Lady L----.

Lady G---- can't help being witty, said I: it is sometimes her
misfortune, sometimes ours, that she cannot: however, I highly approve of
the example set by Lord L----, and followed by Lady L----.

And so do I, Harriet. And when Lord G---- sets the example, I shall--
consider of it. I am not a bad economist. Had I ten thousand pounds in
my hands, I would not be extravagant: had I but one hundred, I would not
be mean. I value not money but as it enables me to lay an obligation,
instead of being under the necessity of receiving one. I am my mother's
daughter, and brother's sister; and yours, Lady L----, in this
particular; and yours too, Harriet: different means may be taken to
arrive at the same end. Lord G---- will have no reason to be
dissatisfied with my prudence in money-matters, although I should not
make him one of my best courtesies, as if--as if--(and she laughed; but
checking herself)--I were conscious--again she laughed--that I had signed
and sealed to my absolute dependence on his bounty.

What a mad creature! said Lady L----: But, my Harriet, don't you think
that she behaved pretty well to Lord G---- at table?

Yes, answered I, as those would think who observe not her arch looks: but
she gave me pain for her several times; and, I believe, her brother was
not without his apprehensi