My father sent out the footboy to inquire
where it was; and when the boy came back, he made us laugh, by
snapping his fingers, and saying the fire was not worth so much--
although, upon further inquiry, we learnt that the house in which it
originated was burnt to the ground. You see, therefore, how the
bustle of this great world hardens the sensibilities, but I trust
its influence will never extend to my heart.
The principal topic of conversation at present is about the queen.
The Argents, who are our main instructors in the proprieties of
London life, say that it would be very vulgar in me to go to look at
her, which I am sorry for, as I wish above all things to see a
personage so illustrious by birth, and renowned by misfortune. The
Doctor and my mother, who are less scrupulous, and who, in
consequence, somehow, by themselves, contrive to see, and get into
places that are inaccessible to all gentility, have had a full view
of her majesty. My father has since become her declared partisan,
and my mother too has acquired a leaning likewise towards her side
of the question; but neither of them will permit the subject to be
spoken of before me, as they consider it detrimental to good morals.
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