Page:The Adventures of David Simple (1904).djvu/249

 was for inquiring into the cause of this woman's passions; and wondered how it was possible for such trifles to discompose any one in such a manner. Camilla had lately, I do not pretend to say from what motive, been very apt to enter into David's way of conversation, and looked very grave.

Cynthia said she was at no loss to find out the reason of the scene they had just now been witnesses of; for she knew the common cause of most evils, i.e. envy was at the bottom of it. The old woman would have been contented with her old clothes had not her handsome neighbour had new ones; for she, no doubt, had observed this young woman was taken most notice of; and from a strong resolution not to impute it to her own age, or any defect in her person, flattered herself it was owing to the other's being better dressed. "For I have known," continued Cynthia, "something very like this in people of a much higher station. I remember once I was with a lady who was trying on her gown; her shape was but indifferent, for she was something awry: she scolded at her mantuamaker two hours, because she did not look so straight and genteel as another lady of her acquaintance, who had one of the finest shapes that ever was seen. And yet this woman in other things did not want sense; but she would not see any defect in her own person, and consequently resolved to throw the blame on any other thing which came first in her way." This little set of company passed the remainder of that day in amusing themselves with their observations on every incident which happened; and as they were all disposed in their own minds to be pleased, every trifle was an addition to their pleasure. When they returned home in the evening, they were weary with their jaunt; and finding themselves inclined to rest, retired to bed: where