Camilla by Burney Fanny; Bloom Edward A.; Bloom Lillian D

Author:Burney, Fanny; Bloom, Edward A.; Bloom, Lillian D.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oxford University Press, UK
Published: 1999-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER XI

Traits of Character

THE following morning, Mrs. Mittin came with eager intelligence, that the raffle was fixed for one o’clock; and, without any scruple, accompanied the party to the shop, addressing herself to every one of the set as to a confirmed and intimate friend. But her chief supporter was Mr. Dennel, whose praise of her was the vehicle to his censure of his sister-in-law. That lady was the person in the world whom he most feared and disliked. He had neither spirit for the splendid manner in which she lived, nor parts for the vivacity of her conversation. The first, his love of money made him condemn as extravagant, and the latter his self-love made him hate, because he could not understand. He persuaded himself, therefore, that she had more words than meaning; and extolled all the obvious truths uttered by Mrs. Mittin, to shew his superior admiration of what, being plain and incontrovertible, he dignified with the panegyric of being sensible.

When they came upon the Pantiles, they were accosted by Mr. Dubster; who having solemnly asked them, one by one, how they all did, joined Mrs. Mittin, saying: ‘Well, I can’t pretend as I’m over sorry you’ve got neither of those two comical gentlemen with you, that behaved so free to me for nothing. I don’t think it’s particular agreeable being treated so; though it’s a thing I don’t much mind. It’s not worth fretting about.’

‘Well, don’t say any more about it,’ cried Mrs. Mittin, endeavouring to shake him off; ‘I dare say you did something to provoke ’em, or they’re too genteel to have taken notice of you.’

‘Me provoke them! why what did I do? I was just like a mere lamb, as one may say, at the very time that young Captain fell abusing me so, calling of me a little dirty fellow, without no provocation. If I’m little, or big, I don’t see that it’s any business of his. And as to dirty, I’d put on all clean linen but the very day before, as the people can tell you at the inn; so the whole was a mere piece of falsehood from one end to t’other.’

‘Well, well, what do you talk about it for any more? You should never take anything ill of a young gentleman. It’s only aggravating him so much the worse.’

‘Aggravating him, Mrs. Mittin! why what need I mind that? Do you think I’m to put up with his talking of caning me, and such like, because of his being a young gentleman? Not I, I assure you! I’m no such person. And if once I feel his switch across these here shoulders, it won’t be so well for him!’

The party now entered the shop where the raffle was to be held.

Edgar was already there; he had no power to keep away from any place where he was sure to behold Camilla; and a raffle brought to his mind the most tender recollections. He was now with Lord O’Lerney, in whose

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