The good-natured Miss Woodley, who sat working at the window, an humble, but an attentive listener to this discourse, ventured here to say exactly six words: “Then don’t mention them any more.”
“Let us change the subject,” said Dorriforth.
“With all my heart,” cried Lady Evans; “and I am sure it will be to the young lady’s advantage.”
“Is Miss Milner tall or short?” asked Mrs. Horton, still wishing for farther information.
“Oh, tall enough of all conscience,” returned she; “I tell you again that no fault can be found with her person.”
“But if her mind is defective”—exclaimed Dorriforth, with a sigh——
“That may be improved as well as the person,” cried Miss Woodley.
“No, my dear,” returned Lady Evans, “I never heard of a pad to make straight an ill-shapen disposition.”
“Oh, yes,” answered Miss Woodley, “good company, good books, experience, and the misfortunes of others, may have more power to form the mind to virtue, than”——
Miss Woodley was not permitted to proceed, for Lady Evans rising hastily from her seat, cried, “I must be gone—I have an hundred people waiting for me at home—besides, were I inclined to hear a sermon, I should desire Mr. Dorriforth to preach, and not you.”