User:Pat Palmer/sandbox/test2

test

'I conclude,' said Gervase, a good deal amused, 'that your Mama is of a practical disposition?'

'Oh, no!' replied Miss Morville serenely. 'That is why she did not wish to form one of the colony. She has no Turn for domestic duties: Mama is an Authoress. She has written several novels, and numerous articles and treatises...and she holds views, which are thought to be very advanced, on Female Education.'

'And have you been reared according to these views?' enquired Gervase, in some misgiving.

'No, for Mama has been so fully occupied in prescribing for the education of females in general that naturally she has had little time to spare for her own children. Moreover, she is a person of excellent sense, and, mortifying though it has been to her, she has not hesitated to acknowledge that neither I nor my elder brother is in the least bookish.'

'A blow!' commented the Earl.

'Yes, but she has sustained it with fortitude, and we have great hopes that my younger brother, who is now at Cambridge, will be distinguished. And after all, there must be someone in a household who does not dislike domestic management.'

'Is that your fate, Miss Morville?' the Earl asked, rather touched. 'Is your life spent in these rural fastnesses, performing a housekeeper's duties? I pity you.!'

'Well, you need not,' returned Miss Morville unromantically. 'We are only to be found in Lincolnshire when Papa requires quiet for the performance of his labours. In general, we reside in London, so that Mama may enjoy the benefits of literary society.'

'Forgive me, ma'am, if I say this it sounds to me like a dead bore!'

'Oh, yes, to those who are not bookish, it is!' agreed Miss Morville. 'When in London, I spend much of my time in the company of my aunt, Lady Morville, and my cousins. Parties, and theatres, you know, for they are always very gay, and most good-natured in including me in their schemes. My aunt even undertook my presentation last year..."