though I have really fatigued myself with fruitless endeavours to entertain her, with the most immoveable gravity; but no sooner did Lovel begin his complaint, than she was seized with a fit of laughing, first affronting the poor beau, and then enjoying his mortification."
"Ha! ha! ha! why there's some genius in that, my Lord, though perhaps rather—rustick."
Here Maria was called to dance, and so heard no more.
Now tell me, my dear Sir, did you ever know any thing more provoking? "A poor weak girl!" "ignorant or mischievous!" What mortifying words! I'm resolved, however, that I will never again be tempted to go to an assembly. I wish I had been in Dorsetshire.
Well, after this, you will not be surprised that Lord Orville contented himself with an enquiry after our healths this morning, by his servant, without troubling himself to call; as Miss Mirvan had told me he would: but perhaps it may be only a country custom.
I would not live here for the world. I don't care how soon we leave town. London soon grows tiresome. I wish the Captain would come. Mrs. Mirvan talks ofthe
