on her side at dinner-time, though all was serene at supper.

Dr. Bartlett offered her his cards. She refused them--No, doctor, said
she, I will play my own cards: I shall have enough to do to play them
well.

As you manage it, so you will, madam, said Lord G----.

Don't expose yourself, my lord: we are before company. Lady L----, you
have nothing but trumps in your hand.

Let me say a word or two to you, madam, said Lord G---- to her.

I am all obedience, my lord.

She arose. He would have taken her hand: she put it behind her.

Not your hand, madam?

I can't spare it.

He flung from her, and went out of the room.

Lord bless me, said she, returning to the card-table with a gay
unconcern, what strange passionate creatures are these men!

Charlotte, said Lady L----, I wonder at you.

Then I give you joy--

What do you mean, sister?--

We women love wonder, and the wonderful!

Surely, Lady G----, said Lord L----, you are wrong.

I give your lordship joy, too.

On what?

That my sister is always right.

Indeed, madam, were I Lord G----, I should have no patience.

A good hint for you, Lady L----. I hope you will take this for a
warning, and be good.

When I behave as you do, Charlotte--

I understand you, Lady L----, you need not speak out--Every one in their
way.

You would not behave thus, were my brother--

Perhaps not.

Dear Charlotte, you are excessively wrong.

So I think, returned she.

Why then do you not--

Mend, Lady L----? All in good time.

Her woman came in with a message, expressing her lord's desire to see
her.--The deuce is in these men! They will neither be satisfied with us,
nor without us. But I am all obedience: no vow will I break--And out she
went.

Lord G---- not returning presently, and Lord and Lady L----'s chariot
being come, they both took this opportunity, in order to shew their
displeasure, to go away without taking leave of their sister. Dr.
Bartlett retired to his apartment. And when Lady G---- came down, she
was surprised, and a little vexed, to find only Emily there. Lord G----
came in at another door--Upon my word, my Lord, this is strange behaviour
in you: you fright away, with your husband-like airs, all one's company.

Good God!--I am astonished at you, madam.

What signifies your astonishment?--when you have scared every body out of
the house.

I, madam!

You, sir! Yes, you!--Did you not lord it over me in my dressing-room?--
To be easy