RIOUS
Mrs. Steerforth was particularly happy in her son's society
433
and Steerforth was, on this occasion, particularly attentive and
respectful to her. It was very interesting to me to see them
ether, not only on account of their mutual affection, but
because of the strong Personal resemblance between them. and
the manner in which what was haughty or impetuous in him
thought, more cham on e, that it was well no serious awe of
ought rather to express it, two such shades of the same nature
micht have been harder to reconcile than the two extremest
opposites In creation. The idea did not originate in my own
discernment, I am bound to confess, but in a speech of Rosa
Dartle's
She said at dinner
Oh, but do tell me, though, somebody, because I have been
thinking about it all day, and I want to know.
now what
Rosa returned Mrs. Steerforth
Pray, pray, Rosa, do not be mysterious
Mysterious! she cried. Oh! really? Do you consider me
80?2
Do I constantly entreat you, said M
lainly, in your own natural manner2,s Steerforth, to speak
Oh! then this is not my natural manner?' she rejoined
ow you must really bear with me, because I ask for informa-
tion, We never know ourselves.
' It has become a second nature, ' said Mrs. Steerforth, with
out any displeasure; bu
ut I remember, -and so must you, I
think when your manner was different, Rosas when it was
t so guarded, and was more trustful.
habir ure you are right, 'she returned; and so it is that bad
habits grow upon one! Really? Less guarded and more
trustful? How can I, imperceptibly, have changed, I wonder
Well, that's very odd! I must study to regain my former self,
'Oh! T you, would,
said Mrs. Steerforth, with a smile.
fr
really will, you know!' she answered. " I will lea
ankness from-let me seefrom James
arn
. You cannot learn frankness, Rosa, 'said Mrs. Steerforth
lickly-for there was always some effect of sarcasm in what
osa Dartle said, though it was said, as this was, in the most
unconscious manner in the world-in a better schoo/,
at I am sure of. she answered, with uncommon fervour.
