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284, but we are obliged to manœuvre for listeners. Were we to dilate on our beauty, our wit, or our wealth, all the self-love of our auditors would be up in arms against our own; they would never have patience to hear the list of our inherent or acquired advantages. But let them triumph over us, and we insure their patient attention. Gratified envy takes the shape of pity, while we mourn our misfortunes, our faithless friends, and all the bead-roll of grievances which authorises the luxury of lamentation. The truth is, we like to talk over our disasters, because they are ours; and others like to listen, because they are not theirs."

"You take a bitter view of human nature," said Charles.

"Mais, mon Dieu! it is the truth," replied the Comtesse. "Let me say the very worst of it that I can, I do not say half so much us it deserves."

"As representatives of the human race," replied the Duke, "we beg to offer our grateful thanks for your good opinion—unless you mean to make an exception in favour of your friends."

"Most assuredly not," was her answer; "for it is among my friends that I have acquired my experience."