called, so I did not see her. But then it was not much matter. Probably she would have talked mostly about the great party that is to come off Thursday evening. To tell the truth, if it were Hot for the looks of the thing, I should rather stay at home,—what does it amount to? So much labor and trouble just for a few minutes of enjoyment if we are so fortunate, which is too often paid for by a sick headache next morning."
"Really, you have taken a very practical turn to-night. Then you do not like these social entertainments? You, ladies are not so happy there as you profess to be?"
"Now Ernest, you know as well as I do that the greatest motive a lady has for going is to show off and be admired. If fortunate enough to succeed in that she is happy for the time being I suppose; if not, look out for a nervous headache. And you gentlemen, laugh in your sleeves to think we are such dunces as to have our heads turned with a little flattery. But how shall we amuse ourselves? It is not expected we shall take part in any sensible conversation."
"You will have a motive for going to Mrs. Lane's, for Professor M., the great astronomer, is to be there, and you will enjoy his conversation."
"A precious little of it I fear I shall have the privilege of enjoying, for he will collect around him a company of gentlemen; and if by chance a lady gets into the circle, he would perhaps remark that it is a very pleasant evening, in the midst of a rain storm. I don't wonder that it is so. It would be
