Agnes Grey

fter having taken off my outdoor garments, upon returning from my four weeks' re

tongue, can't ye? and let me tell her about my new

lda; and let me te

ned long time over it-she shall hear m

ilda, that you've not got ri

cked word again, if you'll only listen to me, a

t: so I was doomed to hear a long account of her splendid mare, its breeding and pedigree, its paces, its action, its spirit, &c., and of her own amazing skill and courage in riding it; concluding

ries you are telling!'

lear a five-barred gate, if I tried, and papa will say I

d tell her not to use such shocking words; she will call her horse a mare: it is so inconceivably shocking! and then she uses su

ung lady, vigorously cracking a hunting-whip, which she habitually ca

like it in all your life. The decorations, the entertainment, the supper, the music were indescribable! and then the guests! There were two noblemen, three baronets, and five titled ladies, and other ladies and gentlemen innumerable. The ladies, of course, were of no consequence t

ddl

lowed to be a little vain. I know you think me a shocking, conceited, frivolous girl; but then, you know, I don't attribute it all to my personal attractions: I give some praise to the

very charming: but should th

much admired; and I made so many conquests in

ood will th

ink of any wom

would be enough; and too much, un

--, were married, or I might have condescended to be particularly gracious to them; as it was, I did not: though Lord F---, who hates his wife, was evidently much struck with me. He asked me to dance with him twice-he is a charming dancer, by-the-by, and so am I: you c

say that such a thing could really g

ly fit companions for papa and mamma. Sir Thomas is young, rich, and gay; but an ugly beast, nevertheless: however, mamma says I should not mind that after a few months' acquaintance. Then, there was Henry Meltham, Sir Hugh's younger son; rather good-looking, and a pleasant fellow to flirt with: but being a younger

atfield at

Did you think he w

might consider

oor man: he looked as if he were dying to ask my hand just for one set; and-oh! by-the-by-he's got a

is the new

s description in three words-an insensate, ugly, stupid

veral parties she had since attended; and further particulars respecting Sir Thomas Ashby and Messr

ou like best?' said I, suppre

d she, shaking her bright r

ose, "I like them a

Mr. Hatfield the cleverest, Sir Thomas the wickedest, and Mr. Green the most stupid. Bu

's so wicked, and

young, I would be always single. I should like to enjoy myself thoroughly, and coquet with all the world, till I am on the verge of being called an old maid; and then, to escape the infamy of t

p single by all means, and never marry at all: n