When I think of what Valentine
accomplishes in comparison to Homer, and the little notice the reviewers
take of him, except to make him low-spirited by telling him that he is
shallow and frivolous, I begin to think that literature must be going to
the dogs."
And here Charlotte became meditative, absorbed in the contemplation of
Mr. Hawkehurst's genius. Diana had begun the conversation very artfully,
intending to proceed by a gentle transition from Charlotte's love affairs
to her own; but the conversation was drifting away from the subject into
a discussion upon literature, and the brilliant young essayist whose
first adventurous flights seemed grand as the soaring of Theban eagle to
this tender and admiring watcher of his skyward progress.
"Lotta," said Miss Paget, after a pause, "should you be very sorry if I
were to leave you before your marriage?"
"Leave me before my marriage, Diana! Is it not arranged that you are to
live with mamma, and be a daughter to her, when I am gone? And you will
come and stay with Valentine and me at our cottage; and you will advise
me about my house-keeping, and teach me how to be a sensible, useful,
economical wife, as well as a devoted one. Leave us, Di! What have I
done, or mamma, or Mr. Sheldon, or anybody, that you should talk of
anything so dreadful?"
"What have you done, dear girl, dear friend, dear sister? Everything to
win my undying love and gratitude.
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