"Do not fear to speak plainly, my dear madam. Tell me the whole truth. There is something wrong, and I ought to know it. Put yourself in my place, and you will not long hesitate what to do."
"It is a delicate and painful subject for me to speak of to you, Mrs. Leland."
"No matter. Speak out without disguise."
After some reflection, the lady said—
"I have daughters, and am tremblingly alive to their good. I feel it to be my duty to protect them from all associations likely to do them an injury. Am I not right in this?"
"Undoubtedly."
"There is one young man in this city whose very name should shock the ear of innocence and purity. I mean Clement."
"You cannot think worse of him than I do."
"And yet, I am told, Mrs. Leland, that your daughter may be seen on the street with him almost every day; and not only on the street, but at balls, concerts, and the theatre."
"Who says so?"