Lady.—No; I did not understand that she told the particulars, for it seems it was not to her, but to some other lady, a friend of hers; but it was all one; the company took as much notice of it as if it had been to her, and resented it as much, I assure you.
Cit.—Yet, and without examining the truth of the fact.
Lady.—We did not doubt the story.
Cit.—But had no other proof of it, Madam, than her relation?
Lady.—Why, that's true; nobody asked for a proof; it was enough to tell the story.
Cit.—What! though perhaps the lady did not know the person, or whether it was true or no, and perhaps had it from a third or fourth hand—your ladyship knows any body's credit may be blasted at that rate.
Lady.—We don't inquire so nicely, you know, into the truth of stories at a tea-table.
Cit.—No, Madam, that's true; but when reputation is at stake, we should be a little careful too.
Lady.—Why, that's true too. But why are you so concerned about it, Madam? do you know the man that keeps the shop?
Cit.—No otherwise, Madam, than that I have often bought there, and I always found them the most civil, obliging people in the world.