“How disagreeable these sacques are! I am so incommoded with these nasty ruffles! I am going to Cumberland House—are you?”
“To be sure,” said Mrs. Hampden, “what else, do you think, would make me bear this weight of dress? I can't bear a sacque.”
“Why, I thought you said you should always wear them?”
“Oh, yes, but I have changed my mind since then—as many people do.”
“Well, I think it vastly disagreeable indeed,” said the other, “you can't think how I am encumbered with these ruffles!”
“Oh I am quite oppressed with them,” said Mrs. Hampden, “I can hardly bear myself up.”
“And I dined in this way!” cried the other; “only think—dining in a sacque!”
“Oh,” answered Mrs. Hampden, “it really puts me quite out of spirits.”
After this they found some subject less popular, and the lady unknown leaned over me, without any ceremony, to whisper with Mrs. Hampden. I should have offered her my place if she had made any apology, but as it was, I thought she might take her own way. In the course of the evening, however, I had the pleasure to observe a striking change in her manners; for as soon as she picked up, I know not how, my name, she ceased her whispering, looked at me with the civilest smiles, spoke to me two or three times, and calling to a fine beau, said—
“Do pray sit this way, that you may screen Miss Burney as well as me from that fire.”