The Baron de Book-Worms.
IMPROVED AND IMPROVING DIALOGUES.
(Arranged on the strictest Lines of Truth.)
At Mrs. Somebody's on "At Home" Day.
Mrs. Somebody. Well, I am pleased you have come at last, as I wanted you to notice that, although you have a slightly better address, my drawing-room is far larger than your own.
Mrs. Caller. You are most kind to say so; and I may add that we should not have dreamed to come to this out-of-the-way part of the world had we not wished to purchase some cheap carpets in the neighbourhood.
Miss Caller. I suppose your extremely plain daughter Araminta is away from home; she seldom contrives to hit it off with her mother.
Mrs. Somebody. You have guessed rightly; but I may say that she is staying at Lady Dashaway's place in the country. I mention the fact casually, although I am glad to get in a title somehow in the course of my conversation.
Mrs. Caller. If you are obliging enough to give me the opportunity, I will get in a dozen persons with handles to their names. You will pardon the vulgarity?