I saw but one
that understood him, and did not laugh at him"
"Talboys, for a pound."
"Mr. Talboys? no! _You,_ dear uncle; you did not laugh; I noticed
it with all a niece's pride."
"Of course I didn't. Can I hear a word these ladies mew? can I tell in
what language even they are whining and miauling? I have given up
trying this twenty years and more."
"I return to my question," said Lucy hastily.
"And I to my solution; your three graces are three d--d fools. If you
can account for it in any other way, do."
"No, uncle dear. If you had happened to agree with me beforehand, I
would; but as you do not, I beg to be excused. But keep the paper, and
the next time listen to the talk and unmeaning laughter; you will find
I have not exaggerated, and some day, dear, I will tell you how my
mamma used to account for similar monstrosities in society."
"Here is a mysterious little toad. Well, Lucy, for all this you
enjoyed yourself. I never saw you in better spirits."
"I am glad you saw that," said Lucy, with a languid smile.
"And how Talboys came out."
"He did," sighed Lucy.
Here the young lady lighted softly on an ottoman, and sank gracefully
back with a weary-o'-the-world air; and when she had settled down like
so much floss silk, fixing her eye on the ceiling, and doling her
words out languidly yet thoughtfully--just above a whisper, "Uncle,
darling," inquired she, "where are the men we have all heard of?"
"How should I know? What men?"
"Where are the men of sentiment, that can understand a woman, and win
her to reveal her real heart, the best treasure she has, uncle dear?"
She paused for a reply; none coming, she continued with decreasing
energy:
"Where are the men of spirit? the men of action? the upright,
downright men, that Heaven sends to cure us of our disingenuousness?
Where are the heroes and the wits?" (an infinitesimal yawn); "where
are the real men? And where are the women to whom such men can do
homage without degrading themselves? where are the men who elevate a
woman without making her masculine, and the women who can brighten and
polish, and yet not soften the steel of manhood--tell me, tell me
instantly," said she, with still greater languor and want of
earnestness, and her eyes remained fixed on the ceiling in deep
abstraction.
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