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ROMANCE AND REALITY.
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she bade farewell to her senses, decency, and bombasin together? All those delicate inquiries were, however, postponed by the presence of her brother; but, as we say poetically, "her thoughts were too great for utterance;" conversation languished; and but for discussing the merits of some black-currant jam, which had been sent for, as Mrs. Clarke seemed hoarse, it would have sunk into silence.

The visit was short and embarrassed; and she was scarcely out of the house, before severe animadversions were poured forth, on Mrs. Arundel's most improper dress, to Mr. Boyne Sillery, her companion home.

"Why, you see, my dear sister, it is quite unnecessary for a lady to lament one husband who is meditating taking another."

"Stuff!—you are just as silly as the doctor: I should like to see who would put such nonsense into her head."

"I am glad you would like to see the individual—for, my dear Elizabeth, he is now walking with you."

"Why, you have never been so silly as to advise her to marry?"

"Indeed I have most strongly advised it."

"Good Lord! don't you know that her for-