“But heroes, poets, and artists are distinguished by many proofs of regard,” observed Miss Arden; “why should we be against a reward to merit here?”
“You do not consider,” said Miss Cotton, “great men, have great minds; but we have very little ones.”
“I can only say, I pity any one with a malicious temper: and a person must have one, indeed, who can envy Miss Damer; for she never provokes to anger, or gives offence.”
“And pray how are you to answer for Miss Damer?” asked Miss Vincent.
“I wonder you ask this question,” returned Miss Arden. “From the first day I came into this house I had reason to dread you; and love, and esteem, Miss Damer. Though I was a stranger to every one, you made me a subject of ridicule;—but I will not tell you of all your unkindness.”
“Pray how long have you been, in studying this set speech?”
“Only whilst you were setting your face to look contemptuously.”
“Wonderful! I could not have supposed that a creole had wit! But I forget, you are the heiress of a rich nabob! Pray to what black knight, or noble emperor, are you allied?”
“Oh, fie! fie! how can you be so insolent!” cried Miss Damer.
“Miss Vincent’s words do not trouble me: they have lost their power; let her be as severe as she pleases. If she could not display her talent in satire, we should say she was the simple one of Mrs. Adair’s school: there are drones and dunces every where.”