"Yes, I believe so, and his wife will join him. She has no objection to decorate her pretty person." "I never thought that she had--but Susannah Temple--" "When Susannah is away from her friends, when she finds that her sister and brother-in-law no longer wear the dress, and when she is constantly in your company, to all which please to add the effect I trust of my serious admonitions, she will soon do as others do, or she is no woman. This is all my plan, and leave it to me--only play your part by seeing as much of her as you can." "You need not fear that," replied I. "Does your father know of your attachment?" inquired Mr Masterton. "No, I passed her over without mentioning her name," replied I. "It is too soon yet to talk to him about my marrying; in fact, the proposal must, if possible, come from him. Could not you manage that?" "Yes, I will if I can; but, as you say, wait awhile. Here is their address--you must call to-morrow, if you can; and do you think you can dine with me on Thursday?" "Yes, if the general continues improving; if not, I will send you word." The next day I complained of a head-ache, and said, that I would walk out until dinner-time. I hastened to the address given me by Mr Masterton, and found that Mr Cophagus and his wife were out, but Susannah remained at home. After our first questions, I inquired of her how she liked London. "I am almost afraid to say, Japhet, at least to you; you would only laugh at me." "Not so, Susannah; I never laugh when I know people are sincere." "It appears to me then to be a vanity fair." "That there is more vanity in London than in any other city, I grant," replied I; "but recollect, that there are more people and more wealth. I do not think that there is more in proportion than in other towns in England, and if there is more vanity, Susannah, recollect also that there is more industry, more talent, and I should hope a greater proportion of good and honest people among its multitudes; there is also, unfortunately, more misery and more crime." "I believe you are right, Japhet. Are you aware that Mr Cophagus has put off his plain attire?" "If it grieves you, Susannah, it grieves me also; but I presume he finds it necessary not to be so remarkable." "For him, I could find some excuse; but what will you say, Japhet, when I tell you that my own sister, born and bred up to our tenets, hath also much deviated from the dress of the females of our sect?" "In what hath she made an alteration?" "She has a bonnet of plaited straw with ribands." "Of what colour are the ribands?" "Nay, of the same as her dress--of grey." "Your bonnet, Susannah, is of grey silk; I do not see that there is vanity in descending to straw, which is a more homely commodity. But what reason has she given?" "That her husband wills it, as he does not like to walk out with her in her Quaker's dress."