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290 While we were talking, her aunt came in and asked me to comb her the next night, for the concert. I told her I hoped she would excuse me, but I had made a vow I would not comb any one for the concert who was too sanctimonious to go to the opera; that I would be pleased to comb her at any other time, but she must excuse me now. She wished to know if I positively refused to comb her; and when I told her I did, she said if I did not comb her, I should not comb her niece. I told her there were plenty of other hair-dressers, but she was so provoked, she went off and bought her a splendid bonnet to wear to the concert.

On my leaving, I told the young lady I was not coming back, so she said, if I did not go to her, she would come to me, so it would be all the same. On my reaching home, I found various orders for the next day for the concert. On going to the places, I would always ask if they were going to the opera; if they said no, I just walked out.

There were four ladies in one house where I called, two of them were very much in favor of the opera, while the others were opposed to it; before laying off my things, I asked the usual question, and the two replied they had been to the ball, and intended going to the opera, but had not yet been there. I said I would comb them. The others asked me, "and why will you not comb us." I told them I was actually afraid to comb any one that was so good that the sight of a green curtain frightened them, for such good people were unusual." [sic] They then wished to know what was my object in taking such a stand, whether I was over religions, or had no respect for Christianity at all. My reply was, "I have respect for religion, and