“Mrs. Locke, here,” cried I, “always wishes time could be bought, because there are so many who have more than they know what to do with, that those who have less might be supplied very reasonably.”
“‘Tis an exceeding good idea,” cried he, “and I am sure, if it could be purchased, it ought to be given to YOU by act of parliament, as a public donation and tribute.” There was a fine flourish!
PERSONAL RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN WINDHAM AND HASTINGS.
A little after, while we were observing Mr. Hastings, Mr. Windham exclaimed, “He’s looking up; I believe he is looking for you.”
I turned hastily away, fairly saying, “I hope not." “Yes, he is; he seems as if he wanted to bow to you.” I shrank back. “No, he looks off; he thinks you in too bad company!” “Ah, Mr. Windham,” cried I, “you should not be so hardhearted towards him, whoever else may; and I could tell you, and I will tell you if you please, a very forcible reason.” He assented. “You must know, then, that people there are in this world who scruple not to assert that there is a very strong personal resemblance between Mr. Windham and Mr. Hastings; nay, in the profile, I see it myself at this moment and therefore ought not you to be a little softer than the rest, if merely in sympathy?”
He laughed very heartily; and owned he had heard of the resemblance before.
“I could take him extremely well,” I cried, “for your uncle.”
“No, no; if he looks like my elder brother, I aspire at no more.”