habit it never was to consider in conversation whether she committed herself or any one else. Truth with her was at least a state of nature—though it might sometimes have worn with greater credit to itself a little more trimming—and states of nature are relatively pardonable in the young. A child who sees no indecorum in nakedness can hardly be expected to clothe Truth. 

Le Sage

 “This Sir Francis,” asked the Baron, “he is an old friend of yours?” 

 “O, yes!” said Audrey; “quite an old friend.” 

 “And favourite?” 

 “Well, he seems one of us, you see. Don’t you like him yourself?” 

 “I suppose he and your brother are on intimate terms?” 

 “We are all on intimate terms; Hugh and Frank no more than Frank and I.” 

 “And no less, perhaps; or perhaps not quite so much?” 

 “O, yes they are! What makes you think so?” 

 “Not quite so intimate, I will put it, as your brother and Mr. Bickerdike?” 

 “I’m sure I don’t know. Hugh is great friends with them both.” 

 “Tell me, now—which would you rather he were most intimate with?” 

 “How can it matter to me?” 

 “You have a preference, I expect.” 

 “I certainly have; but that doesn’t affect the question. It was Hugh you were speaking of, not me.” 

 “Shall I give your preference? It is for Mr. Bickerdike.” 

 “Well guessed, Baron. Am I to take it as a compliment to my good taste?” 

 “He is a superior man.” 

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