human
I am sorry you are not going to Mrs. Goldsborough's to-night, Cousin Sabina, said Mrs. Smith;
gpt
I have no doubt she would have sent an invitation had she known I had a friend visiting me.
human
Not improbable. I do not, however, feel much inclination just now to go to a party. Had it not been for that, I should have sent my card to Mrs. Goldsborough after my arrival. I met her at the springs last summer, and received much politeness from her.
gpt
Mrs. Goldsborough is a very polite woman--very much disposed to be civil to every one, said Mrs. Smith;
human
she added,
gpt
Pelby and I have it in contemplation to give a large party ourselves.
human
Indeed? I thought you were not party-giving people; Cousin Pelby assured me so.
gpt
And never would be if Pelby Smith had his own way. To be sure, we are not in circumstances to entertain much, conveniently, but for the sake of a firmer place in society, I am always willing to strain a point. As to Pelby, he has so little spirit that he would as soon be at the bottom of the social ladder as at the top. I can speak of it without impropriety to you, as you are his relation, not mine. He has been a perpetual drag and drawback upon me, but, notwithstanding, I have accomplished a great deal. Five or six years ago we were merely on speaking terms with the Goldsboroughs, and the Pendletons, and the Longacres, and the Van Pelts and that set, and now I visit most of them, and receive invitations to all their general parties. I have always felt ashamed of not having entertained them in return, and now I am resolved to do so, as a favorable opportunity offers of doing it advantageously. I mean the coming out of Julia Goldsborough, Mrs. Goldsborough's only daughter. It will be something to say that I have given her a party.
human
Do the family expect the compliment of you? asked Miss Incledon, looking at her in surprise;
gpt
I did not know that you were on such intimate terms.
human
Ah, Cousin Sabina! said she,