Her attempt had no backing in play of feature, felicity of gesture, grace of diction.

The commonest little actress that ever daubed her skin with grease-paint, would have the advantage of Theresa in the thousand and one arts by which, from everlasting, woman has limed twigs for the catching of man.

Her very virtues--respectability, learning, all the proprieties of her narrowly virtuous little life--counted for so much against her in the present supreme moment of her self-invented romance.
"You hardly, I dare say," she pursued--"how should you after the commanding positions you have occupied ?--appreciate the feelings of the inhabitants of this quiet country parish towards you.

But they have a lively sense, believe me, of the honour you confer upon them, all and severally--I am speaking of the educated classes in particular, of course--by residing among them.

They admire and reverence you so much, so genuinely; and they have extended great kindness to me as a member of your household.