Page:Wuthering Heights and Agnes Grey (1st edition), Volume 3 (Agnes Grey).djvu/147

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AGNES GREY.
139

dies and gentlemen innumerable. The ladies, of course, were of no consequence to me, except to put me in a good humour with myself, by showing how ugly and awkward most of them were; and the best, mama told me,—the most transcendent beauties among them, were nothing to me. As for me. Miss Grey—I'm so sorry you didn't see me! I was charming—wasn't I Matilda?"

"Middling."

"No, but I really was—at least so mama said. . .and Brown and Williamson. Brown said she was sure no gentleman could set eyes on me without falling in love that minute; and so I may be allowed to be a little vain. I know you think me a shocking, conceited, frivolous girl, but then you know, I don't attribute it all to my personal attractions: I give some praise to the hairdresser, and some to my exquisitely lovely dress—you must see it to-morrow—white gauze over pink satin. . .and so sweetly made! and a necklace and bracelet of beautiful, large pearls!"

"I have no doubt you looked very charming; but should that delight you so very much?"

"Oh, no!. . .not that alone: but then, I was so much admired; and I made so many con-