Among those who, having gotten into the world they know not how, are determined it shall, at least, be known that they are there, it is _my_ houses, _my_ servants, _my_ park, _my_ gardens; or, if the lady be too young to claim in her own behalf, _my_ father's houses, &c., &c., will answer all the purpose. But, happily for the supply of this kind of talk, rank and wealth, though very useful, are not necessary to it. Without any ostentation whatever, but merely from the habit of occupying themselves with their own individuality, some will let the company choose the subject; but, be it what it may, all they have to say upon it is the _I_, or the _my_. Books, travel, sorrow, sickness, nature, art, no matter, it is _I_ have seen, _I_ have done, _I_ have been, _I_ have learned, _I_ have suffered, _I_ have known. Whatever it be to others, the _I_ is the subject for them; for they tell you nothing of the matter but their own concern with it. For example, let the city of Naples be spoken of: one will tell you what is seen there--what is done there--what happens there--and making her reflections on all without naming herself; you will only perceive, by her knowledge and remarks, that she has been in Naples. Another will tell you how she came there, and why she went, and how long she staid, and what she did, and what she saw; and the things themselves will appear but as incidents to the idea of self. Some ladies I have known, who, not content with the present display of their powers, are determined to re-sell their wares at second-hand. They tell you all the witty things they said to somebody yesterday, and the wise remarks they made to a certain company last night. _I_ said--_I_ remarked. The commodity should be valuable indeed to be thus brought to market a second time. Others there are, who, under pretext of confidence--little complimentary when shown alike to all--pester people with their own affairs. Before you have been two hours in their company, you are introduced to all their family, and to all their family's concerns, pecuniary affairs, domestic secrets, and personal feelings--a sort of bird's-eye view of every thing that belongs to them--past, present, and to come; and woe to the secrets of those who may chance to have been in connection with these egotists; in such a view, you must needs see ten miles around.