The daughter of the Earl of B—, who is one of the party, has rendered herself very contemptible by her pride on this occasion. But first I must tell you, that the music master had introduced, as one of his best scholars, the daughter of an apothecary. Haughty Lady Jane shewed great displeasure when she saw her enter. The beauty and pleasing manners of that young lady was nothing in her eyes; she was neither rich, nor of a good family; that was sufficient to excite her contempt. Miss G. the young lady in question, is really a very fine girl; educated by her mother, she has received the most useful instruction; there was a modest dignity in her manners, the very contrast of Lady Jane’s haughty affected air. There was the same contrast in their clothes, the latter had on a profusion of costly finery, huddled together according to the fashion; but the former was dressed in the simplest style; it did not make you suppose she was rich, but it was so well calculated to make her person appear to advantage, that you quickly perceived her sense and taste. Lady Jane snuffed up her nose as we sometimes see people do when they are afraid of smelling something disagreeable. Heaven! said she to me, what does that creature do here; I think I smell drugs. Having said so, she took out her lavender water bottle: I pretended not to hear, and turned to Miss B. with whom I chatted a little. This, perhaps, was not very polite, but I could not help it, for I despise such foolish pride. Lady Jane afterwards played an air on the harpsichord, and accompanied it with her voice in a very imperfect manner. Soon after it was Miss G——’s turn, and she sung, with great expression, a favourite song: her voice is really a very fine one, and every one seemed delighted with her performance. Envy at first was painted on Lady Jane’s countenance: but it did not stop here, for she made an excuse to withdraw with me. And we had the following conversation.
LADY JANE.
I do not doubt, Miss Grandison, but you are of my opinion, that this girl is not fit company for us.
EMILIA.
You have, perhaps, some reason for saying so; for my part, I do not know why she may not be one of the party.
LADY JANE.
We are all persons of rank, and the daughter of a peer of the realm cannot be on an equality with a poor apothecary’s daughter.
EMILIA.
I am not the daughter of a peer, of course have not been taught to make this difference.
LADY JANE.