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148 amusement; we are not interested in the doings of others, but we are entertained—always supposing, as the narrator may very well contrive, there is something a little absurd in them. We live together in society—strangers, rivals, and enemies, hiding the envy and hate, which it would be impolitic to exhibit. We care nothing for each other; society could not exist a day now, did the dislike or the indifference rise to the surface. Talking is an ingenious contrivance for hiding all this. An agreeable compliment conceals carelessness; a pointed phrase gives vent to many a suppressed emotion; and we can veil our perfect disregard to what people feel, by a most studied attention to what they say. I can assure you, talking is more than an amusement—it is a necessity."

"Well, I shall do my best to learn what seems to me a profound science; but at present, in my astonishment at many of the questions put to me, I quite forget that it is necessary for me to answer."

"My dearest Francesca, it is very indiscreet ever to be astonished; and an answer is a sort of conversational coin, which you should always have in readiness."

"Well, Henriette, what answer have you to