has a proper court and reception manner; but there are times when you may well permit yourself the airs and graces of the peacock. Indeed, I think a very pretty system of ornithology might be got up for the use of our sex; you, for example, have taken your lessons of the dove!"
"Thank you!" returned her companion.
"You would say to your lover,
'I disdain
All pomp when thou art by: far be the noise
Of kings and courts from us, whose gentle souls
Our kindly stars have steered another way.
Free as the forest-doves, we'll pair together,
Flee to the arbours, grots, and flowery meads,
And in soft murmurs interchange our souls;
Together drink the crystal of the stream,
Or taste the yellow fruit which autumn brings;
And when the golden evening calls us home,
Wing to our downy nest, and sleep till morn.'"
"I do not believe I should say any thing," replied Ethel "I am naturally silent."
"Well," exclaimed Lady Marchmont, "there is a great deal to be urged in favour of a woman's silence; still,
