o us as a species of bear! Mr. Newcome, who has
himself the ton of a waiter! The Colonel is perfect. What can Barnes
mean by ridiculing him? I wish Barnes had such a distinguished air; but
he is like his poor dear papa. Que voulez-vous, my love? The Newcomes
are honourable: the Newcomes are wealthy: but distinguished--no. I never
deluded myself with that notion when I married your poor dear papa.
At once I pronounce Colonel Newcome a person to be in every way
distinguished by us. On our return to London I shall present him to
all our family: poor good man! let him see that his family have some
presentable relations besides those whom he will meet at Mrs. Newcome's,
in Bryanstone Square. You must go to Bryanstone Square immediately we
return to London. You must ask your cousins and their governess, and
we will give them a little party. Mrs. Newcome is insupportable, but we
must never forsake our relatives, Ethel. When you come out you will have
to dine there, and to go to her ball. Every young lady in your position
in the world has sacrifices to make, and duties to her family to
perform. Look at me. Why did I marry your poor dear papa? From duty. Has
your Aunt Fanny, who ran away with Captain Canonbury, been happy? They
have eleven children, and are starving at Boulogne. Think of three of
Fanny's boys in yellow stockings at the Bluecoat School. Your papa got
them appointed. I am sure my papa would have gone mad if he had seen
that day! She came with one of the poor wretches to Park Lane: but I
could not see them. My feelings would not allow me. When my maid,--I had
a French maid then, Louise, you remember; her conduct was abominable: so
was Preville's--when she came and said that my Lady Fanny was below
with a young gentleman, qui portait des bas jaunes, I could not see the
child. I begged her to come up in my room: and, absolutely that I might
not offend her, I went to bed. That wretch Louise met her at Boulogne
and told her afterwards. Good night, we must not stand chattering here
any more. Heaven bless you, my darling! Those are the Colonel's windows!
Look, he is smoking on his balcony--that must be Clive's room. Clive is
a good kind boy. It was very kind of him to draw so many pictures for
Alfred. Put the drawings away, Ethel. Mr. Smee saw some in Park Lane,
and said they showed remarkable genius. What a genius your Aunt Emily
had for drawing; but it was flowers! I had no genius in particular, so
mamma used to say--and