“A sudden fit of humility, then?” said Mrs. Temple, still laughing.
“No, ma’am; but you have often told us how little it signifies. When the ball is over, every thing about it is forgotten in a few hours.”
“Oh, a sudden fit of philosophy, Helen?”
“No, indeed, mother,” said Helen, sighing; “I’m sure I don’t pretend to any philosophy.”
“Well, then, a sudden fit of caprice, Helen?”
“No, indeed, ma’am!”
“No, indeed, ma’am!” said Mrs. Temple, still rallying her.—Why, Helen, my dear, you have answered ‘No, indeed, ma’am,’ to every thing I’ve said this half hour.”
“No, indeed, mother,” said Helen; “but I assure you, ma’am,” continued she, in a hurried manner, “if you would only give me leave to explain—”
“My dear child,” said Mrs. Temple, “this is no time for explanations: make haste and dress yourself, and follow me down to tea.” Mr. Mountague was engaged to drink tea with Mrs. Temple.
How many reflections sometimes pass rapidly in the mind in the course of a few minutes!