I was
interested, and, pushing my plate aside, leant forward with my
elbows on the table. Dorothea has a habit of talking to herself in
a high-pitched whisper capable of being heard above an Adelphi love
scene. I heard her say--
"I must sit up straight. I mustn't sprawl with my elbows on the
table. It is only common, vulgar people behave that way."
I looked across at her; she was sitting most correctly, and appeared
to be contemplating something a thousand miles away. We had all of
us been lounging! We sat up stiffly, and conversation flagged.
Of course we made a joke of it after the child was gone. But
somehow it didn't seem to be OUR joke.
I wish I could recollect my childhood. I should so like to know if
children are as simple as they can look.
ON THE DELIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF SLAVERY
My study window looks down upon Hyde Park, and often, to quote the
familiar promise of each new magazine, it amuses and instructs me to
watch from my tower the epitome of human life that passes to and fro
beneath. At the opening of the gates, creeps in the woman of the
streets. Her pitiful work for the time being is over. Shivering in
the chill dawn, she passes to her brief rest.
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