as by her permiſsion I seated myself by her) Idare say it is all very smart – But I must own, for you know I always speak my mind,that I think it was quite a needleſs peice ofexpence – Why could not^^you have worn your old striped one? It is not my way to find faultwith people because they are poor, ^forbecause I always think that they are more to bedespised & pitied & [..]than¹ blamed for it, especially if they cannot help it, but at the same time I must say that in my opinion yourold striped Gown would have been quite fineenough for its wearer — for to tell you the truth (I always speak my mind) I am very much afraid that one half of the people in the room will not know whether you have aGown on or not – But I suppose you intendto make your fortune tonight –: Well, thesooner the better; & I wish you succeſs."