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.