"I am almost afraid to say, Japhet, at least to you; you would only laugh at me."
"Not so, Susannah; I never laugh when I know people are sincere."
"It appears to me, then, to be a vanity fair."
"That there is more vanity in London than in any other city, I grant," replied I; "but recollect, that there are more people and more wealth. I do not think that there is more in proportion than in other towns in England, and if there is more vanity, Susannah, recollect also that there is more industry, more talent, and I should hope a greater proportion of good and honest people among its multitudes; there is also, unfortunately, more misery and more crime."
"I believe you are right, Japhet. Are you aware that Mr Cophagus has put off his plain attire?"
"If it grieves you, Susannah, it grieves me also; but I presume he finds it necessary not to be so remarkable."
"For him, I could find some excuse; but what will you say, Japhet, when I tell you that my own sister, born and bred up to our tenets, hath also deviated much from the dress of the females of our sect?"
"In what hath she made an alteration?"
"She has a bonnet of plaited straw with ribbons."
"Of what colour are the ribbons?"