egotism of many persons in conversation, who, in conduct, prove that
their feelings and affections are by no means self-engrossed. But the
more indigenous this unsightly weed, the more need is there to prevent
its growth. It has many varieties; the leaf is not always of the same
shape, nor the flower of the same color, but they are all of one genus;
and our readers who are botanists will have no difficulty in detecting
them, however much affected by the soil they grow in. The _I's_ and
_my's_ a lady exhibits in conversation, will bear such analogy to her
character, as the wares on the stall of the bazaar bear to the trade of
the vender. Or, if she have a great deal of what is called tact, she
will, perhaps, vary the article according to the demands of the market.
In fashionable life, it will be _my_ cousin Sir Ralph, _my_ father the
Earl, and _my_ great uncle the Duke; the living relatives and the
departed fathers; the halls of her family, their rent-rolls, or their
graves, will afford abundant materials for any conversation she may have
to furnish.

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