Ah, my husband! if this is the effect of
city life, let me never breathe its tainted atmosphere."
And she dropped her eyes, with a sigh, and sat, lost in thought, for
several moments.
"Your account of Delia pains me," said I. "Is the case indeed so
bad?"
"It is. Alas! the fine gold is dimmed. Our sweet young friend has
strayed from the paths of nature, and will never, I fear, get back
again."
"Had you any conversation with her?" I inquired.
"Yes: or, rather I listened to her, as she ran on about her city
life; the grand people with whom, she had already become acquainted;
and the splendor of balls, parties, soirees, and operas. I grew
sober as she talked: for not one true womanly sentiment fell from
her lips. She did not express interest in any of her new friends and
acquaintances for the good qualities they possessed; but spoke of
their wealth, style of living, social connections, and other
attractions wholly external to the individual. She was even eloquent
over star actresses and opera singers; one or two of whom she spoke
of having met at the house of a fashionable friend.
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