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as by her permiſsion I seated myself by her) Idare say it is all very smart – But I must own, for you know I always speak my mind,that I think it was quite a needleſs peice of expence – Why could notyou have worn your old striped one? It is not my way to find faultwith people because they are poor, for because I always think that they are more to bedespised & pitied & [..]than1 blamed for it, especially if they cannot help it, but at the same time I must say that in my opinion yourold striped Gown would have been quite fineenough for its wearer — for to tell you the truth (I always speak my mind) I am very much afraid that one half of the people in the room will not know whether you have a Gown on or not – But I suppose you intendto make your fortune tonight –: Well, thesooner the better; & I wish you succeſs."

Footnotes

1.
'than' written over erased ampersand and two illegible letters. Back to context...
Image for page: 203 of manuscript: blvolsecond