"My dear," she said, "what with rasping voices, and piping voices, and
droning voices, to say nothing of voices that were more like growls
than anything else, I felt nearly demented. Yes, Miss Mainwaring, this
is a sore affliction that has befallen me, and I knew there was
nothing before me but the services of a 'continual reader,' for poor
Mrs. Dredge, though she did her best, was decidedly thick in her
utterance; and Miss Slowcum, oh dear! the affectations of Miss Slowcum
were quite beyond me, besides our differing altogether in politics--me
holding for Gladstone, and she fairly hating the poor man. You'll do
very well, Miss Mainwaring, and I hope you'll study your papers well
while you're at home, so that you may know what you are reading about,
and read intelligent accordingly. I always like both sides of the
question, which was my poor husband's habit, for he was a very
intelligent man, Miss Mainwaring. And then I like my bit of gossip and
my Court news. I adore my Queen, Miss Mainwaring, and it is a real
_bona fide_ pleasure to learn when and where she drives abroad. You'll
come, please, in the morning, and set to work at your continual
reading.
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