The Hill cannot be kind and attentive, overpowering or oppressive by proxy.

To those newborn into its family circle it cannot be an indifferent godmother; it has towards them all the feelings of a mother,--or of a stepmother, as the case may be.

Where it says 'This can be no child of mine,' it is a stepmother indeed; but in all those whom I have presented to its arms, it has hitherto, I am proud to say, recognized desirable acquaintances, and to them the Hill has been a mother.

And now, my dear Mr.Sloman, go to your rubber; Poyntz is impatient, though he don't show it.

Miss Brabazon, love, we all long to see you seated at the piano,--you play so divinely! Something gay, if you please; something gay, but not very noisy,--Mr.
Leopold Symthe will turn the leaves for you.