When the young ladies parted, it was with an understanding that they
were soon to meet again. I shook hands with Emily, English fashion,
and took my leave at the same time.
"Well, Miles," said Grace, as soon as we were in the street, "you have
certainly been of service to a very charming young woman--I like her,
excessively."
"And you, Lucy--I hope you agree with Grace, in thinking my friend,
Emily Merton, a charming young woman."
Lucy did not speak as frankly, or as decidedly as Grace, so far as
manner was concerned; though she coincided in words.
"I am of the same opinion," she said, in a tone that was far less
cheerful than her usually very cheerful manner. "She is one of the
loveliest creatures I ever saw--and it is no wonder--"
"What is no wonder, dear?" asked Grace, observing that her friend
hesitated to proceed.
"Oh! I was about to say something silly, and had better not finish the
speech. But, what a finished manner Miss Merton possesses;--do you not
think so, Grace?"
"I wish she had a little less of it, dear; that is precisely what I
should find fault with in her deportment. It _is_ manner; and,
though we all must have some, it strikes me it ought not to be seen. I
think all the Europeans we saw in town, last winter, Lucy, had more or
less of this manner.
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