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VIVIAN GREY.
127

"Indeed!—and what do you know about such wicked work, as talking to women?" and here Mrs. Felix Lorraine imitated Vivian's sentimental voice. "Do you know," she continued, "I feel quite happy that you have come down here;—I begin to think that we shall be very great friends."

"Nothing appears to me more evident," said Vivian.

"How delicious is friendship," exclaimed Mrs. Felix Lorraine: "delightful sentiment, that prevents life from being a curse! Have you a friend, Mr. Vivian Grey?"

"Before I answer that question, I should like to know what meaning Mrs. Felix Lorraine attaches to that important monosyllable, friend."

"Oh, you want a definition! I hate definitions; and of all the definitions in the world, the one I've been most unfortunate in, has been a definition of friendship,—I might