My brother had a hankering to be made a member of Parliament, and got Mr.
Charles Argent to speak to my father about it, but neither he nor my
mother would hear of such a thing, which I was very sorry for, as it
would have been so convenient to me for getting franks; and I wonder my
mother did not think of that, as she grudges nothing so much as the price
of postage. But nothing do I grudge so little, especially when it is a
letter from you. Why do you not write me oftener, and tell me what is
saying about us, particularly by that spiteful toad, Becky Glibbans, who
never could hear of any good happening to her acquaintance, without being
as angry as if it was obtained at her own expense?
I do not like Miss Argent so well on acquaintance as I did at first; not
that she is not a very fine lassie, but she gives herself such airs at
the harp and piano--because she can play every sort of music at the first
sight, and sing, by looking at the notes, any song, although she never
heard it, which may be very well in a play-actor, or a governess, that
has to win her bread by music; but I think the education of a modest
young lady might have been better conducted.
Through the civility of the Argents, we have been introduced to a great
number of families, and been much invited; but all the parties are so
ceremonious, that I am never at my ease, which my brother says is owing
to my rustic education, which I cannot understand; for, although the
people are finer dressed, and the dinners and rooms grander than what I
have seen, either at Irvine or Kilmarnock, the company are no wiser; and
I have not met with a single literary character among them. And what are
ladies and gentlemen without mind, but a well-dressed mob! It is to mind
alone that I am at all disposed to pay the homage of diffidence.
The acquaintance of the Argents are all of the first circle, and we have
got an invitation to a route from the Countess of J---y, in consequence
of meeting her with them. She is a charming woman, and I anticipate
great pleasure. Miss Argent says, however, she is ignorant and
presuming; but how is it possible that she can be so, as she was an
earl's daughter, and bred up for distinction? Miss Argent may be
presuming, but a countess is necessarily above that, at least it would
only become a duchess or marchioness to say so. This, however, is not
the only occasion in which I have seen the detractive disposition of that
young lady, who, with all her simplicity of manners and great
accomplishments, is, you will perceive, just like ourselves, rustic as
she doubtless thinks our breeding has been.