Page:New winter evening's companion, of fun, mirth, and frolic.pdf/8

                                         8 time past supported himself by imposing on new shop-keepers a variety of bad articles, and among others, a trumpery preparation which he calls patent for taking our Spots and Stains, was one day exposing to a young man, who had been defrauded by him: upon which the latter threw his purchase into the dust-hole, observing, It was impossible his preparatiou could be infallible, when it had left such a stain in the maker's character.

A tradesman's wife, who was rather too apt to prefer custom to economy, and example to reason: always defended herself by observing that, Though her children had their faults, she did not see but they were as well brought up as Other People's, and when she wished for a new gown or bonnet, she only wanted to go Like Other People. It happened one day that she was bitterly exclaiming against one who spake too freely of her failings. My dear, replied her husband, Havel patience, and consider she only does the same as Other People.

A certain nobleman who affects to be a physiognomist, and to know people's Sentiments by the expression of their countenance, calling on Lady C. Bruce, before her marriage with Captain Durham, told her, he knew her thoughts by her eyes Do you, says she, Then I am sure you will keep them secret, For they are no way to your advantage.

A day or two after the performance of Me Sheridan's School for Scandal, the author, coversing with a friend who was present at the