I thought a part of their conversation might be useful, and I shall therefore relate it, as nearly as I can recollect, leaving each individual to draw her own inferences.
For some time I sat silent, but not uninterested, while the days of 'Auld Lang Syne' came up to the remembrance of the two friends.

After speaking of several individuals who were among their former acquaintances, one asked, 'Do you remember Miss W.?
'Yes,' replied the former, I remember her as the fear, terror, and abhorrence of all who knew her.' _I_ knew the lady by report, and asked why she was so regarded.

The reply was, 'Because she was so severe, so satirical in her remarks upon others.

She spared neither friend nor foe.' "The friends resumed their conversation.

'Did you know,' said the one who had first spoken of Miss W., 'that she sometimes had seasons of bitter repentance for indulging in this unhappy propensity of hers?
She would, at such times, resolve to be more on her guard, but, after all her good resolutions, she would yield to the slightest temptations.