The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1851-12-11
NUMBER 81.

the soft tinting of complexion. Some of
them, according to my taste, which, of
course, is standard only to myself, and
may be very false one, were little over
dressed, and some had not selected pretty
com binations of colors for their dresses and
regalia-I don't know what else to call
their adornings-but sincerely, Mrs. Rich
mond, they are as handsome circle of
ladies as can often be collected anywhere =
Yes, yes, indeed, Mr.. Newhall y quick
ly responded Mrs. Richmond, laughing. i
have often told my husband that we are
above par for personal attractions, and am
glad to strengthen my position by the
weight of a judgment like yours-but you
don't decide merely from appearances, Mr..
Newhall-you 60 deeper than the surface
of things--I hope you think the ladies have
minds and hearts as lovely as their faces?'
'Ah--I dare say presume they have,
Madam-all circles and all societies have
localsms and peculiarities which must be
supposed t, be more obvious to stranger
than one in daily familiarity with them.
My own mind is so regularly constructed,
that those things are apt to cling very re-
solutely to me, taking perhaps an undue
prominence-possibly impressing false as
poets of character upon me, and unworthi-
ly warping my judgment That is one
reason why hesitate to avow an opinion
readily, respecting those whom have not
had an opportunity to know in private life,
as we'll as when the eyes of admirers and
censors are upon them
But 1 thought our society extremely
free from what you term localisms, Mr..
Newhall,' replied Mrs. Richmond, little
more curious from the very cautiousness
and reserve of her guest. Do give Ii
cense to your criticisms this cnce-it may
promote our refinement essentially, at least
my own, and you ought to bring forth some
fruit from all the high posts of observation
which you have been honored to occupy
The blood crept along rather slowy to
Mr.. Ms fine forehead, and he fixed his
large lustrous eyes on the speakers face,
as if he must satisfy himself of her SINGER
ity-she said so many jesting thing. Her
whole soul was in the inquiring and oarn-
est glance she returned but her quick
perception instantly caught the doubt that
had arisen in Mr.. Newhall's mind, and
blush;ng till she was lovelier than ever, she
said
you pain me by that doubt, Mr.. New
hall ask in all simplicity ask because
l have confidence in the value and ingenu-
BUSINESS of your criticisms
you pay me an unmerited compliment
indeed, Madam replied Mr. Newhall,
while his brow cleared away like sum-
mer sky that had been momentarily gather
ing clouds, only to look the brighter that
its sunshine was for a moment hidden
and must ask pardon and favor again.
Pray name the penalty for my
'Distrust of giddy and frivolous belle,
interrupted Mrs. Richmond, with mischiev-
Gus reference to his first hasty opinion Of
herself, for which she had found thousand
chances to take reprisals.' l shall only
require you to tell me what does not please
you in our ladies p
'I'm sorry you should demand the spe-
cifc thing l prefer to retain-really Mrs.
Richmond, you are little like Shylock-
the veritable pound of flesh or nothing.
Cannot l compromise with you' Won't
something else do for an equivalent "
Nothing, nothing but the pound of
fesh,' persisted the lady gayly indeed |
am worse than Shylock-l must take 1t
right out of your hearth
well, then, Madam as no second Dam
iel seems to appear for my rescue-but f!
certainly expose myself to the charge of
rudeness and ingratitade-Dickeus-like,
banquetting on your feasts of fat things,
and then going home to write Notes for
the modification Of
mo such parallel, if you please, Mr..
Newhall, said Mrs Richmond, wonder
you dare to stretch the proverbial curiosity
of woman to such tension as you have
already drawn mine. You surely do not
wrong me by thinking am tattler" i,
oh, no, indeed, Mrs. Richmond-no,
novel; now for my observatiou--not