login | Register

The Way We Were: From the Kitchen Sink to Bea's Beauty Shop

Posted: Dec 09, 2010

My mother desperately wanted little girls with little curls right in the middle of their foreheads. To that end, she spent years torturing my sister and me in the kitchen sink with Tonis! She would wind our hair tightly on pink plastic rollers and then douse the rollers in a foul smelling solution that took our breaths away.

If the weather was warm, she would allow us to go outside to play while the permanent “took.” Because we lived in the country, mother would ring the enormous dinner bell when it was time for us to come home to be neutralized. Since we rarely came as soon as we heard the bell, our curls were regularly over-processed. My curls cleaved to my skull like those of a Roman emperor while my sister’s hair frizzed out as if she had stuck her finger into an electrical outlet. Our mother was undaunted.

Once, on an ordinary day–not one of our hair perming days-- my sister returned from one of her daily visits to a family that lived on our farm wearing her fine platinum hair in a hundred tiny braids–not corn rows exactly but rather minuscule pigtails. Mother fainted. I never knew if it was the sight of the tuny blond corn rows or the possibility that the curling process had finally gone frightfully awry that had sent her into a swoon.


Regardless, shortly after that event  my mother to cease attempting to turn us into Shirley Temples on her own, and we found ourselves at the tender ages of seven and five in the catacombs of Bea’s Beauty Shop, just off the square in downtown Athens, where we would be taken once a month for the next ten years. (Perhaps it was this photo of me and my sis that inspired our mother to resort to the beauty shop.)

Bea’s Beauty Shop was located in downtown Athens  next to the pool hall and behind Florence Kennemer’s dress shop, Flo-Lee. Two doors down was the entrance to the balcony of the segregated Ritz Theater, the only movie theater in town and the place my sister and I spent nearly every Saturday afternoon watching serials, news reels, and feature films. We had many happy times in that theater, but the beauty shop was a different experience altogether.
 

To enter Bea’s Beauty Shop, one either had to travel down a long dark corridor to the back of the building or go straight though Flo-Lee and enter via a curtain and café doors in the very back of the dress shop. It was not considered polite to enter through Florence’s dress shop unless one was actually planning to purchase an item of clothing or jewelry, so most of the time we entered by way of the dark tunnel where the fumes of the permanent wave solution wafted toward us like sulphur from the depths of the inferno. In that lair, Bea Duffey, an energetic woman of indeterminate age and hennaed hair with a Lucky Strike dangling from her bright red lips, worked her strange magic on the women in my family.

There were no lavender booths in Bea’s Beauty shop like those in Eudora Welty’s story “The Petrified Man.” Indeed, there were no booths at all. Nee Archer, Bea’s associate, and Bea worked side by side, chatting amicably with one another and the patrons as if we were all one big happy family.

In the beginning, our trips to the beauty shop were almost fun—an opportunity to go to town, read some magazines, stick our feet in the X-ray machine in the shoe department of Ben Jaffe’s Department Store, even get an ice cream cone– that is until Bea purchased the latest piece of equipment in processing perms: an electronic monster covered with huge metal clamps. This machine heated the clamps which were then affixed to rods on the client’s head. The heat from the clamps was then transferred to the rods, ostensibly speeding up the perming process and insuring longer lasting curls. Gone were the innocuous pink curlers. We had been dragged kicking and screaming into the electronic age.

Nothing our mother had done to us in the kitchen sink could compare with having our heads smothered in mammoth metal clamps that were not only hot but dreadfully heavy. My sister and I could barely hold our small necks upright after the final clamp had been affixed to the last rod. Medusa with her head of snakes could not have been more miserable. We sat in our booster chairs dreading the agony to come as the rods grew hotter, the stench grew more pungent, and our little necks grew more and more rubbery. Finally the Iron Maiden would be removed, and we would feel so light that we thought we might actual float off the chair.

Then we were rinsed, curled once again, and taken to the final torment, the hair dryer. In those days the heat of the cumbersome dryers was impossible to regulate and so our misery began again as we were cooked until our hair was done.

Mother would beam with pride when Bea removed the rollers and combed our hair into short Shirley Temple curls. We were grateful to have been made beautiful but more importantly that we had earned another four week respite from our suffering.

Whether it was the trauma of our coiffured youth or merely our desire to simplify our lives, both my sister and I now have short, straight hair. My hair has not seen a perm since 1980 and is so short that I might be mistaken for a boy were I twenty pounds thinner. When I read about liposuction, face lifts, and tummy tucks, I know that, God willing, I will never find myself in the office of a plastic surgeon. As my sister and I are so fond of saying to one another, “Been there, done that.”
 

----Penne J. Laubenthal
Related Links
     Medusa Becomes Bride of Frankenstein: My Night at the Sleep Clinic

     Grandma Got Run Over By a Treadmill

related tags

RiverVue,
Urban,
Mountain,
River,
Muscle Shoals,
Alabama,
Merchantry,
Discourse,
Lore,

Wireless from AT&T

Comments

says...

Tom was introduced to ugg boots clearance the Judge; but his tongue was tied, his breath would hardly come, his heart quaked -- partly because of the awful greatness of the man, but mainly because he was her parent. He would haveugg boots clearance liked to fall down and worship him, if it were in the dark. The Judge put his hand on Tom's head and called him a fine little man,kids ugg boots clearance and asked him what his name was. The boy stammered, gasped, and got it out:

co2010 says...

In other words, NBA jerseys, the Celtics defense is good enough, but not in control of basic resources to establish, based on their defensive rotation by the powerful complement bit, of course, this defense is more targeted results. Analogy: If the physical foundation of a good man, ill soon after the natural good; But if the body itself is not good, was sick after eating fast symptomatic drugs, the natural good faster. If the control boards, create internal and external line pressure is equivalent to laying the foundation of good health, then the effective rotation fill seats that have targeted specific drug. The problem is of course a valid and effective rotary fill seats can fill the seats once the rotation question? Celtics rotation up a bit skill most of construction in Garnett on the defensive flexibility. Do not you see 2002,2003 was on the NFL Football Jerseys Nets beat the Celtics when Pierce, who talked about the defense Ray Allen from Milwaukee Bucks to the Seattle SuperSonics are not defensive specialists,giants jersey into the key, Boston has been able to play decent defense, Garnett from the third line of control contributed to the paint. I wonder why Kevin Garnett since the Finals began, it suddenly old, old, contemporary first defensive flexibility is lost.

co2010 says...

MBT Womens Ema Sandals accept reasonable boot kinds great in your decision. If the MBT shoes, it contacts outstanding journey. Furthermore, it sanctions you to tour, leisure and consolation. As we know, the simply style of arrange and style, gives and cup MBT patent, you may love fashion, able-bodied and powerful. This fashion of shoe is totally encircled by the well-known designer MBT) The designers of your novel and superior layout, best for producing. Recently, the republican British designer, style loose production plant, opens a season of MBT Womens Koshi Sandals Brown. A outstanding layout is commonly praised the high quality, but at prevailing, write a novel button model will be the same. About MBT shoes regulates the sale with the examination have been contemporaries interior the head, the sinking implement of guru studies on the human type isnt sent in a very set reply time, or built by airplane. In supplement they found that, like the boot kinds with the renowned physicist musculature appropriate combined with the encourage, as well as the option to inhabit with out be anxious and pain. Weight in the skilled people that folks are conscious with the paddock shuttle Discovery due to the sighting our wellness is changed offered. The landed are motivated to promote constant muscle Bob stabilization of physique posture and equally that fairly a small proportion controls Tataga MBT Barabara MBT Chapa eagerness, consequently, the Tembe MBT boot kinds and more attractive. Individuals on this, cant remove your shoes, endorsing the spread of novel adjustments in MBT boot for low-cost purchase.Right now, far more people are paying for shoes or hits on the web sneakers, MBT hotels, delivering a wide assortment of options and aggressive costs. Around the other hand, is smaller diagram difficult since they are mixed, to go to a retailer to locate these shoes or boots. Womens MBT Sawa Shoe can be paid for from habitation at any time.

co2010 says...

Those who are seeking a way to get a salon quality hairdryer for the home or the salon can find it when they go online and order beauty operating supplies made by GHD Hair Straighteners. A GHD IV Styler Purple Indulgence Hair Straighteners is not just any ordinary hair dryer as it is sold in the best salons.These GHD IV Purple straighteners heat up to the optimal level and retain that temperature so that there are no hot spots and therefore no damaged or burnt hair giving you the best in hair styling control. Also since it has the universal voltage control feature you can carry along yourPink GHD IV Purple Hair Straighteners any part of the globe you might visit.te.

aa2050 says...

As I write this post—longhandOffice 2010in a spiral notebook—I’m 20,000 feet above eastern Washington, having Microsoft Office 2010just crossed above the Cascades on my return flight Microsoft wordto Chicago. I visited Seattle for the weekend to Office 2007and I have known each other for 20 years now. They Microsoft Officehad a lovely ceremony, and the trip in general was fantastic.Microsoft Office 2007In the 13 years since I left Seattle, I’ve Office 2007 keyvisited six or seven times, and I always return to wherever has Office 2007 downloadOffice 2007 Professionalbecome home with mixed feelings about the place. It Outlook 2010both alarms and pleases me to see howMicrosoft outlookthat once-familiar areas seem almost foreign. ForMicrosoft outlook 2010neighborhoods have changed, to the point Windows 7 as have cookie-cutter, here-today-and-gone-tomorrow nightclubs that cater to the shiny shirt crowd.

aa2050 says...

As I write this post—longhandOffice 2010in a spiral notebook—I’m 20,000 feet above eastern Washington, having Microsoft Office 2010just crossed above the Cascades on my return flight Microsoft wordto Chicago. I visited Seattle for the weekend to Office 2007and I have known each other for 20 years now. They Microsoft Officehad a lovely ceremony, and the trip in general was fantastic.Microsoft Office 2007In the 13 years since I left Seattle, I’ve Office 2007 keyvisited six or seven times, and I always return to wherever has Office 2007 downloadOffice 2007 Professionalbecome home with mixed feelings about the place. It Outlook 2010both alarms and pleases me to see howMicrosoft outlookthat once-familiar areas seem almost foreign. ForMicrosoft outlook 2010neighborhoods have changed, to the point Windows 7 as have cookie-cutter, here-today-and-gone-tomorrow nightclubs that cater to the shiny shirt crowd.

jianhua says...

As a certified member of prada outlet , we are committed and proud to offer the highest safety standards for prada shoes. Trusted Shops is the established Internet seal of approval fo rprada handbags. An extensive security examination is necessary before prada bags is certified.true religion jeans outlet, called "Denim", in the earliest recorded in 1567 years, is from Italy port city of Genoa (of) Genoa merchant seamen wear pants, the name "Genoese" or "Genes". Start from the 1860's, Designer true religion outlet , We are the professional ture religion jeans, devote ourself to offer the top quality cheap jeans for womens and mens. Welcome to our Jeans Outlet Store, Get one for yourself, everything with huge discount!The headquarters of juicy couture are located in an industrial area in Arleta, Los Angeles, All of the juicy couture outlet items are manufactured with the company signature logo, A crown lies overhead, while a juicy couture handbags banner flutters below the underline slogan juicy couture bags outlet is known worldwide for its urban fashion with a touch of high end quality materials and craftsmanship. The store provides all kinds of the juicy couture bags for you reference, in there you can meet you like.chanel bags outlet brand has experienced 80 years of history, The classic style has been the originator of the fashion world. chanel bags 2010 has become a pride of the fashion world. They not only loyal to chanel bags sale and fascinating traditional style, and has a timeless classic and elegant but low-key style. Even chanel bags outlet are always in a series of simplicity and low-key design,but fashionistas can still immediately recognize the unique style of chanel bags,coach canada handbags are one of the most famous coach handbags in the world.durable and cheap handbags are supplied for you on buy-coach-handbags.com, here also show you Anna coach handbags 2010, Anya HindarMarch Handbags, Balenciaga Handbags, Bottega Veneta Handbags and so on. Besides, all the coach outlet on sale offer you with the affordable prices with exquisite craftsmanship and the finest quality. So if you are interested in the coach handbags outlet, come here for a try, please!

says...

"For our keeping his bank's name out of the news and also for helping him recover some stolenproperty.It sounds like Langdon and Neveu ugg boots clearancestole something from Saunière's account." "What?"Collet blurted."How?" Fache never flinched,his eyes riveted on the second agent."What did they steal?" "Vernet didn't elaborate,but ugg boots clearancehe sounds like he's willing to do anything to get it back." Collet tried to imagine how this could happen.Maybe Langdon and Neveu had held a bankemployee at gunpoint?Maybe they forced Vernet to open Saunière's account and facilitate anescape in the armored truck.As feasible as it was,Collet was having trouble believing SophieNeveu could be ugg boots clearanceinvolved in anything like that. From the kitchen,another agent yelled to Fache."Captain?I'm going through Mr.Teabing's speeddial numbers,and I'm on the phone with Le Bourget Airfield.I've got some bad news." Thirty seconds later,Fache wasugg boots clearance packing up and preparing to leave Chateau Villette.He had justlearned that Teabing keptugg boots clearance a private jet nearby at Le Bourget Airfield and that the plane had takenoff about a half hourugg boots clearance ago.

says...

"For our keeping his bank's name out of the news and also for helping him recover some stolenproperty.It sounds like Langdon and Neveu ugg boots clearancestole something from Saunière's account." "What?"Collet blurted."How?" Fache never flinched,his eyes riveted on the second agent."What did they steal?" "Vernet didn't elaborate,but ugg boots clearancehe sounds like he's willing to do anything to get it back." Collet tried to imagine how this could happen.Maybe Langdon and Neveu had held a bankemployee at gunpoint?Maybe they forced Vernet to open Saunière's account and facilitate anescape in the armored truck.As feasible as it was,Collet was having trouble believing SophieNeveu could be ugg boots clearanceinvolved in anything like that. From the kitchen,another agent yelled to Fache."Captain?I'm going through Mr.Teabing's speeddial numbers,and I'm on the phone with Le Bourget Airfield.I've got some bad news." Thirty seconds later,Fache wasugg boots clearance packing up and preparing to leave Chateau Villette.He had justlearned that Teabing keptugg boots clearance a private jet nearby at Le Bourget Airfield and that the plane had takenoff about a half hourugg boots clearance ago.

says...

THE GHOST HAS ATTAINED the southernmost point of the arc she is describing across the Pacific, and is already beginning to edge away to the west and north toward some lone island, it is rumored, where she will fill her water-casks before proceeding to the season's hunt along the coastugg boots clearance of Japan. The hunters have experimented and practiced with their rifles and shotguns till they are satisfied, and the boat-pullers and steerers have made their sprit-sails, bound the oars and rowlocks in leather and sennit so that they will make no noise when creeping on the seals, and put their boats in ugg boots clearanceapple-pie order, to use Leach's homely phrase.His arm, by the way, has healed nicely, though the scar will remain all his life. Thomas Mugridge lives in mortal fear of him, and is afraid to venture on deck after dark. There are two or three standing quarrels in the forecastle. Louis tells me that the gossip of the sailors finds its way aft, and that two of the telltales have been badly beaten by their mates. He shakes his head dubiously over the outlook for the man Johnson, who is boat-puller in the same boat with him. Johnson has been guilty of speaking his mind too freely, and has collided two orugg boots clearance three times with Wolf Larsen over the pronunciation of his name. Johansen he thrashed on the amidships deck the other night, since which time the mate has called him by his proper name. But of course it is out of the ugg boots clearancequestion that Johnson should thrash Wolf Larsen.

fashional says...

DVD Box Sets is the best choice for killer time for most people because people can stay home warmly and comfortably, sometimes even in the bed.
N0.1 audience rating dvd movie is Spongebob, which is loved by most children because of lovely roles and amazing story. Star Trek Voyager is second choice because it affects several generations from our parents to our children which has deep affect. Also other best dvd loved by people is Scrubs and Desperate Housewives Seasons. In USA, people talked about Greys Anatomy most while in China, Japan, and other counties in Asia, people like True blood and Lost most.
And the famous dvd talked by man is P90x Workout, by which people can excise their body in office, working place or just at home, can be very easy and confortable.
In UK, people like to turn to Dexter most while UK people like to watch comedy movie most than other serious movie. People all over the world all like the suspense and action movie, for example: CSI NY Series. Which describe the story of Police. Some similar dvd which are about police are all have good audience rating, another master piece is Bones. Now the N0.1 DVD series in world is Ncis Cast and Big Bang Theory Gull Episodes. There are too many good dvds and USA is the best country which produce so many good dvd box set what we have all admitted that. In Asia, Hongkong is famous for it’s dvd box set too called TVB Series. They have reproduced many dvd from usa, one of them is Doctor Who.

fashional says...

DVD Box Sets is the best choice for killer time for most people because people can stay home warmly and comfortably, sometimes even in the bed.
N0.1 audience rating dvd movie is Spongebob, which is loved by most children because of lovely roles and amazing story. Star Trek Voyager is second choice because it affects several generations from our parents to our children which has deep affect. Also other best dvd loved by people is Scrubs and Desperate Housewives Seasons. In USA, people talked about Greys Anatomy most while in China, Japan, and other counties in Asia, people like True blood and Lost most.
And the famous dvd talked by man is P90x Workout, by which people can excise their body in office, working place or just at home, can be very easy and confortable.
In UK, people like to turn to Dexter most while UK people like to watch comedy movie most than other serious movie. People all over the world all like the suspense and action movie, for example: CSI NY Series. Which describe the story of Police. Some similar dvd which are about police are all have good audience rating, another master piece is Bones. Now the N0.1 DVD series in world is Ncis Cast and Big Bang Theory Gull Episodes. There are too many good dvds and USA is the best country which produce so many good dvd box set what we have all admitted that. In Asia, Hongkong is famous for it’s dvd box set too called TVB Series. They have reproduced many dvd from usa, one of them is Doctor Who.

mbt shoe says...

mbt karani and mbt karani shoes are the most popular shoes in our mbt store, mbt sneakers are also the most popular shoes. welcome.

mbt shoe says...

Wearing mbt kaya or mbt kaya shoes will do good to your health.Welcome to our online store for a mbt sale.

wangling123 says...

ugg boot, ugg boot Australia, classic ugg tall, cheap ugg boot discount ugg boots sale,save off 40%-60% ugg boot, ugg boot Australia, classic ugg tall, cheap ugg boot discount ugg boots sale,save off 40%-60%

says...

Thank your helpful post.Today Pandora is talking by everyone in UK, Pandora UK Store can be found in London and other cities in UK easily.
Pandora Beads is the fashion of jewelry world not only because it’s variety and different styles. But also the taste of fashion. Pandora Bracelets is the best gift in this Christmas, what’s more, Pandora Necklaces can be made of different Pandora Beads and Pandora Charms by yourself.
So this Christmas Present is not only a piece of Jewelry, but also can show your taste and kindness to the one you want to send present to.

says...

Thank your helpful post.Today Pandora is talking by everyone in UK, Pandora UK Store can be found in London and other cities in UK easily.
Pandora Beads is the fashion of jewelry world not only because it’s variety and different styles. But also the taste of fashion. Pandora Bracelets is the best gift in this Christmas, what’s more, Pandora Necklaces can be made of different Pandora Beads and Pandora Charms by yourself.
So this Christmas Present is not only a piece of Jewelry, but also can show your taste and kindness to the one you want to send present to.

says...

DURING dinner, Mr. Bennet scarcely spoke at all; but when the servants were withdrawn, he thought it Ugg boots clearance time to have some conversation with his guest, and therefore started a subject in which he expected him to shine, by observing that he seemed very fortunate in his patroness. Lady Catherine de Bourgh's attention to his wishes, and consideration uggs clearancefor his comfort, appeared very remarkable. Mr. Bennet could not have chosen better. Mr. Collins was eloquent in her praise. The subject elevated him to more than usual solemnity of manner, and with a most important aspect he protested that he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour in a person of rank -- such affability and condescension, as he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine. She had been graciously pleased Ugg boots clearanceto approve of both the discourses which he had already had the honour of preaching before her. She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to make up her pool of quadrille in the evening. Lady Catherine was reckoned proud by many people he knew, but he had never seen any thing but affability in her. She had always spoken to him as she would to any other gentleman; she made not the smallest objection to his joining in the society of Ugg boots clearancethe neighbourhood, nor to his leaving his parish occasionally for a week or two, to visit his relations. She had even condescended to advise him to marry as soon as he could, provided he chose with discretion; and had once paid him a visit in his humble parsonage; where she had perfectly approved all the Ugg boots outletalterations he had been making, and had even vouchsafed to suggest some herself, -- some shelves in the closets up stairs. ``That is all very proper and civil I am sure,'' said Mrs. Bennet, ``and I dare say she is a very Uggs clearanceagreeable woman. It is a pity that great ladies in general are not more like her. Does she live near you, sir?'' ``The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship's residence.'' ``I think you said she was a widow, sir? has she any family?'' ``She has one only daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property.''UGG Boots Clearance ``Ah!'' cried Mrs. Bennet, shaking her head, ``then she is better off than many girls. And what sort of young lady is she? is she handsome?'' ``She is a most charming young lady indeed. Lady Catherine herself says that in point of true beauty, Miss De Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex; because there is that in her features which marks the young woman of distinguished birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which has prevented her making that progress in many accomplishments which she could not otherwise have failed of; as I am informed by the lady who superintended her education, and who still resides with them. But she is perfectly amiable, and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies.'' Ugg boots clearance ``Has she been presented? I do not remember her name among the ladies at court.'' ``Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in town; and by that means, as I told Lady Catherine myself one day, has deprived the British court of its brightest ornament. Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea, and you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies. I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the most elevated rank, instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned by her. -- These are the kind of little things which please her ladyship, and it is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to pay.''

says...

DURING dinner, Mr. Bennet scarcely spoke at all; but when the servants were withdrawn, he thought it Ugg boots clearance time to have some conversation with his guest, and therefore started a subject in which he expected him to shine, by observing that he seemed very fortunate in his patroness. Lady Catherine de Bourgh's attention to his wishes, and consideration uggs clearancefor his comfort, appeared very remarkable. Mr. Bennet could not have chosen better. Mr. Collins was eloquent in her praise. The subject elevated him to more than usual solemnity of manner, and with a most important aspect he protested that he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour in a person of rank -- such affability and condescension, as he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine. She had been graciously pleased Ugg boots clearanceto approve of both the discourses which he had already had the honour of preaching before her. She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday before, to make up her pool of quadrille in the evening. Lady Catherine was reckoned proud by many people he knew, but he had never seen any thing but affability in her. She had always spoken to him as she would to any other gentleman; she made not the smallest objection to his joining in the society of Ugg boots clearancethe neighbourhood, nor to his leaving his parish occasionally for a week or two, to visit his relations. She had even condescended to advise him to marry as soon as he could, provided he chose with discretion; and had once paid him a visit in his humble parsonage; where she had perfectly approved all the Ugg boots outletalterations he had been making, and had even vouchsafed to suggest some herself, -- some shelves in the closets up stairs. ``That is all very proper and civil I am sure,'' said Mrs. Bennet, ``and I dare say she is a very Uggs clearanceagreeable woman. It is a pity that great ladies in general are not more like her. Does she live near you, sir?'' ``The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship's residence.'' ``I think you said she was a widow, sir? has she any family?'' ``She has one only daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property.''UGG Boots Clearance ``Ah!'' cried Mrs. Bennet, shaking her head, ``then she is better off than many girls. And what sort of young lady is she? is she handsome?'' ``She is a most charming young lady indeed. Lady Catherine herself says that in point of true beauty, Miss De Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex; because there is that in her features which marks the young woman of distinguished birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which has prevented her making that progress in many accomplishments which she could not otherwise have failed of; as I am informed by the lady who superintended her education, and who still resides with them. But she is perfectly amiable, and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies.'' Ugg boots clearance ``Has she been presented? I do not remember her name among the ladies at court.'' ``Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in town; and by that means, as I told Lady Catherine myself one day, has deprived the British court of its brightest ornament. Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea, and you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladies. I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine that her charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the most elevated rank, instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned by her. -- These are the kind of little things which please her ladyship, and it is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound to pay.''

Please login or you can to leave a comment.

If you aren't registered, Register Now to start leaving comments.

Copyright 1998-2018 by Swampland Inc. All rights reserved.