I do not think I shall
calumniate my own country if I say the same of English women. It
should be our object to select for our own acquaintance the best
we can find of all countries. It seems to me that Miss Boncassen
is a young lady with whom any other young lady might be glad to
form an acquaintance.'
This was a little sermon which Mary was quite contented to endure
in silence. She was, in truth, fond of the young American beauty,
and had felt a pleasure in the intimacy which the girl had
proposed to her. But she thought it inexpedient that Miss
Boncassen, Lady Mabel, and Silverbridge, should be at Matching
together. Therefore she made a reply to her father's sermon which
hardly seemed to go to the point at issue. 'She is so beautiful!'
she said.
'Very beautiful,' said the Duke. 'But what has that to do with it?
My girl need not be jealous of any girl's beauty.' Mary laughed
and shook her head. 'What is it then?'
'Perhaps Silverbridge might admire her.'
'I have no doubt he would,--or does, for I am aware that they have
met.
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