talk, too. Why is
it, I wonder," she continued, musingly, "that ordinary conversation is
generally so empty and silly? Gentlemen appear to believe that ladies
know nothing but about balls, and dancing, and the weather, and croquet!
I do not mean, when we are all talking together, as to-day; but, when
one is alone with them, and not one of a circle of talkers, they never
say anything of any depth and reflection. Perhaps, when I go out, it is
my fate to meet with exceptional partners at parties. But, I declare,
they never utter a sensible remark! I suppose they think me very
stupid, and not worth the trouble of seriously conversing to. Really, I
imagine that gentlemen believe all girls to belong to an inferior order
of intellect; and fancy that it is necessary for them to descend from
their god-like level, in order to talk to them about such senseless
trivialities as they think suited to their age and sex!"

"Perhaps it is not all the fault of the men," said I. "They are
probably bashful, as most of us are."

"Bashful?" she replied; "I like that, Master Frank. Why, you are all a
most intolerable set of conceited mortals! No, it is not that:--it is,
because the `lords of creation' think us beneath the notice of their
superior minds."--And she tossed her little head proudly.

"Well, then," I said, "your duty is to draw us out. Many men are
diffident of speaking earnestly and showing their feelings, from the
fear of being laughed at, or ridiculed, as solemn prigs and book-worms.
Ladies should think of this, and encourage us."

"Yet, some of you," she replied, undauntedly, "are not so reticent and
retiring. There is Mr Mawley, for instance. He always talks to me
about literature and art, and politics, too--although I do not care much
about _them_--just as if I were a man like himself, and blessed with the
same understanding!"

"Oh," said I, "the curate is usually fond of hearing himself talk!"

"You need not abuse poor Mr Mawley," she said, laughing. "`Those who
live in glass houses,' you know, `should not throw stones!' _You_ are,
also, not averse to airing your opinions, Master Frank! But, don't get
angry--" she continued, as I slightly withdrew from her side, in
momentary pique at hearing the curate's part taken.--"I like to hear you
talk of such things, Frank, far better than if you only spoke to me of
commonplace matters, as most gentlemen do, or dosed me with flattery,
which I detest!"

"I do not