`Well! you ladies must always have the last word, I suppose, said I, observing her rise and begin to take leave of my mother.

`You may have as many words as you please,--only I can't stay to hear them.'

`No; that is the way: you hear just as much of an argument as you please; and the rest may be spoken to the wind.'

`If you are anxious to say anything more on the subject,' replied she, as she shook hands with Rose, `you must bring your sister to see me some fine day, and I'll listen, as patiently as you could wish, to whatever you please to say. I would rather be lectured by you than the vicar, because I should have less remorse in telling you, at the end of the discourse, that, I preserve my own opinion precisely the same as at the beginning--as would be the case, I am persuaded, with regard to either logician.'

`Yes, of course,' replied I, determined to be as provoking as herself; `for, when a lady does consent to listen to an argument against her own opinions, she is always predetermined to withstand it to listen only with her bodily ears, keeping the mental organs resolutely closed against the strongest reasoning.'

`Good morning, Mr Markham,' said my fair antagonist, with a pitying smile; and deigning no further rejoinder, she slightly bowed, and was about to withdraw; but her son, with childish impertinence, arrested her by exclaiming,--

`Mamma, you have not shaken hands with Mr Markham!'

She laughingly turned round, and held out her hand. I gave it a spiteful squeeze; for I was annoyed at the continual injustice she had done me from the very dawn of our acquaintance, Without knowing anything about my real disposition and principles, she gas evidently prejudiced against me, and seemed bent upon showing me that her opinions respecting me, on every particular, fell far below those I entertained of myself. I was naturally touchy, or it would not have vexed me so much. Perhaps, too, I was a little bit spoiled by my mother and sister, and some other ladies of my acquaintance;--and yet, I was by no means a fop--of that I am fully convinced, whether you are or not.