Visists at the Bed-side. We sincerely believe that it was only a giddy levity, yet it approached so near to absolute impropriety in her dress, manners, and language, that her female friends of respectability have been often put to the blush for her conduct, and even gentlemen have sometimes been compelled to acknowledge, that Mrs. Fernonville's behaviour was really too bad! On a morning, perhaps, a gentleman might happen to call too early, after she had been sitting up all the night before with a party of inebriated bon-vivants; for on those occasions Mrs. Fernonville never quitted the room, but would sit and laugh with them, and cool their wine and ices for them with her own fair hands; so incorrect, so truly thoughtless in her conduct, unheeding what the world might say, she has accompanied them from the scene of bacchanalian riot, when Transparency of Dress. they were not even company for each other, much less for ladies. And if after such scenes, or those of a similar nature, which had kept her up during the night, any gentleman might chance to call, to pay his respects to her; without any regard to decorum, he was ushered into her chamber, and she received him literally at her ruelle! Was the weather very sultry, or did she wish to be equipped as much as possible in the style of the Medicean Venus, she was perfectly indifferent when she entered almost without covering, into a large party, about the multitude of gentlemen which might happen to be there collected; but said aloud in their hearing (nay, she would not mind addressing her discourse to them ;) "Well, I have nothing on but my gown and chemise !" While every little shallow art has been put in practice to draw their attention, Danger of Example and Manners. either by the caresses of children, or other manœuvres, to a most beautiful, though indelicately-exposed, bosom. The amiable and modest Lady Harriet Norton, though she cannot be easily warped by the conduct, nor adopt in the smallest instance the manners, of Mrs. Fernonville, yet the consequences derived from the acquaintance of Lady Harriet to Mrs. Fernonville, has made that Lady ever desirous of being in all her parties; and she has cultivated the acquaintance with eagerness, pretending a great affection for Lady Harriet; and, when in her company, she has generally endeavoured to induce Lady Harriet to think like herself; but that is impossible; yet her example and manners are dangerous, it is not improbable, but what she may make Lady Harriet not quite so cheerfully contented as formerly; for it is the invariable aim of Mrs. Fernonville, and most ladies of her description, to depreciate Half a word to the Wise. gentleness and prudence in wives; but more particularly do they inveigh against submission, and it is the constant maxim she preaches up to Lady Harriet, that, for her part, no husband shall ever dictate to her and then she will endeavour to persuade the meek and gentle Lady, to order her carriage, whenever she thinks proper, and drive wherever she pleases. All such advices are incapable of turning a mind of rectitude, like Lady Harriet's; but how many are there, and excellent young women too, who are not so shielded by strength of mind, and to whose happiness and tranquil content Mrs. Fernonville might do the most serious injury! Lady Harriet Norton is wedded to one of the worthiest of men ; but his health often suffers from indisposition: Was she not the most affectionate of wives, who delights in the happiness she feels only as she imparts felicity Conclusion. to her husband, how easily might she be 65 -Son cœur a comme les Dieux "Et le bonheur d'en faire!" We |