"Besides, it is impossible. And it would be wrong to wish
me to make every one else dissatisfied with themselves. That is not like
you, my Philip!"
He touched with tender fingers the great glistening coil of hair that
was twisted up at the top of her graceful head.
"Ah, darling! You don't know what a world it is, and what very queer
people there are in it! Never mind! . . . don't bother yourself about
it. You'll have a good bird's-eye view of society tonight, and you shall
tell me afterwards how you like it. I shall be curious to know what you
think of Lady Winsleigh."
"She is beautiful, is she not?"
"Well, she is considered so by most of her acquaintances, and by
herself," he returned with a smile.
"I do like to see very pretty faces," said Thelma warmly; "it is as if
one looked at pictures. Since I have been in London I have seen so many
of them--it is quite pleasant. Yet none of these lovely ladies seem to
me as if they were really happy or strong in health."
"Half of them have got nervous diseases and all sorts of things wrong
with them from over-much tea and tight lacing," replied Errington, "and
the few who _are_ tolerably healthy are too bouncing by half, going in
for hunting and such-like amusements till they grow blowsy and fat, and
coarse as tom-boys or grooms.
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