She was even eloquent over star actresses and opera singers; one or two of whom she spoke of having met at the house of a fashionable friend." "How true the old adage, that evil communications corrupt good manners!" said I.
"There must be some radical weakness in a case of such sudden deterioration as this," replied my wife.

"Some latent vanity and love of the world.

I cannot believe that one sensible young woman in ten would be spoiled to the degree that Delia is spoiled, if you passed her through like temptations." I saw Delia myself, on the next day.

She was dressed in New York, not in S----, style; and so, naturally, appeared to disadvantage in my eyes.
I found her very bright and animated; and to my questions as to her new city life, she spoke warmly of its attractions.

At times, in the intervals of exciting talk, her countenance would fall into its true expression, as nearly all countenances will when thought ceases to be active--that expression, in which you see, as in a mirror, the actual state of mind.