least regard for others' feelings. If talk is (or seems to her)
dull, she declares that she has had enough of it. I don't think
there is any need to warn you of this, but it may be as well that
you should know it.

"Whilst I am writing, I had better mention one or two other
peculiarities of Lady Ogram. At the first glance you will see that
she is an invalid, but woe to you if you show that you see it. She
insists on being treated by everyone (I suppose, her doctor
excepted, but I am not sure) as if she were in perfect health. You
will probably hear her make plans for drives, rides, even long walks
about the country, and something more than mere good breeding must
rule your features as you listen. Occasionally her speech is
indistinct; you must manage never to miss a word she says. She is
slightly--very slightly--deaf; you must speak in your natural
voice, yet never oblige her to be in doubt as to what you say. She
likes a respectful manner, but if it is overdone the indiscretion
soon receives a startling reproof. Be as easy as you like in her
presence provided that your ease is natural; if it strikes Lady
Ogram as self-assertion--beware the lash! From time to time she
will permit herself a phrase or an exclamation which reminds one
that her birth was not precisely aristocratic; but don't imagine
that anyone else is allowed to use a too racy vernacular; you must
guard your expressions, and the choicer they are the better she is
pleased.

"As you may wish to speak of polities, I will tell you that, until a
year or two ago, Lady Ogram was a strong Conservative; she is now on
the Liberal side, perhaps for the simple reason that she has
quarrelled with the Conservative member of Hollingford, Mr. Robb. I