dress-coat is, and a white cravat! We talked. He wanted to know
what my Christian name was. I was so pleased when I found he was
one of the few people who like it. His hair curls naturally.
In color, it is something between my hair and Helena's. He wears
his beard. How manly! It curls naturally, like his hair; it
smells deliciously of some perfume which is new to me. He has
white hands; his nails look as if he polished them; I should like
to polish my nails if I knew how. Whatever I said, he agreed with
me; I felt satisfied with my own conversation, for the first time
in my life. Helena won't find me a simpleton when I go home. What
exquisite things dinner-parties are!


My sister told me (when we said good-by) to be particular in
writing down my true opinion of the Staveleys. Helena wishes
to compare what she thinks of them with what I think of them.

My opinion of Mr. Staveley is--I don't like him. My opinion of
Miss Staveley is--I can't endure her. As for Master Staveley,
my clever sister will understand that _he_ is beneath notice.
But, oh, what a wonderful woman Mrs. Staveley is! We went out
together, after luncheon today, for a walk in Kensington Gardens.
Never have I heard any conversation to compare with Mrs.
Staveley's. Helena shall enjoy it here, at second hand. I am
quite changed in two things. First: I think more of myself than I
ever did before. Second: writing is no longer a difficulty to me.
I could fill a hundred journals, without once stopping to think.

Mrs. Staveley began nicely; "I suppose, Eunice, you have often
been told that you have a good figure, and that you walk well?"