Anne Bronte: Agnes Grey

9. CHAPTER IX--THE BALL (continued)

'I have no doubt you looked very charming: but should that delight you so very much?'

'Oh, no!--not that alone: but, then, I was so much admired; and I made so MANY conquests in that one night--you'd be astonished to hear--'

'But what good will they do you?'

'What good! Think of any woman asking that!'

'Well, I should think one conquest would be enough; and too much, unless the subjugation were mutual.'

'Oh, but you know I never agree with you on those points. Now, wait a bit, and I'll tell you my principal admirers--those who made themselves very conspicuous that night and after: for I've been to two parties since. Unfortunately the two noblemen, Lord G--- and Lord F---, were married, or I might have condescended to be particularly gracious to THEM; as it was, I did not: though Lord F---, who hates his wife, was evidently much struck with me. He asked me to dance with him twice--he is a charming dancer, by-the-by, and so am I: you can't think how well I did--I was astonished at myself. My lord was very complimentary too--rather too much so in fact--and I thought proper to be a little haughty and repellent; but I had the pleasure of seeing his nasty, cross wife ready to perish with spite and vexation--'

'Oh, Miss Murray! you don't mean to say that such a thing could really give you pleasure? However cross or--'

'Well, I know it's very wrong;--but never mind! I mean to be good some time--only don't preach now, there's a good creature. I haven't told you half yet. Let me see. Oh! I was going to tell you how many unmistakeable admirers I had:- Sir Thomas Ashby was one,--Sir Hugh Meltham and Sir Broadley Wilson are old codgers, only fit companions for papa and mamma. Sir Thomas is young, rich, and gay; but an ugly beast, nevertheless: however, mamma says I should not mind that after a few months' acquaintance. Then, there was Henry Meltham, Sir Hugh's younger son; rather good-looking, and a pleasant fellow to flirt with: but BEING a younger son, that is all he is good for; then there was young Mr. Green, rich enough, but of no family, and a great stupid fellow, a mere country booby! and then, our good rector, Mr. Hatfield: an HUMBLE admirer he ought to consider himself; but I fear he has forgotten to number humility among his stock of Christian virtues.'