This Mrs. Talbot was
possessed of a most unhappy disposition. She seemed to entertain the
idea that the whole world was in league to render her miserable. It has
often struck me with surprise, that a person surrounded with so much to
render life happy should indulge in so discontented and repining a
temper as did Mrs. Talbot. She was famous for dwelling at length upon
her trials, as often as she could obtain a listener; and when I first
became acquainted with her I really regarded her with a feeling of pity;
but after a time I mentally decided that the greater part of her
grievances existed only in her own imagination. She spent a large
portion of her time in deploring the sins of the whole world in general,
and of her own family and immediate neighbors in particular; while she
looked upon herself as having almost, if not quite, attained to
perfection.
I recollect calling one day upon Mr. Talbot; he was of a very
social disposition, and we engaged for a short time in a lively
conversation. Mrs. Talbot was present, and, strange to tell, once
actually laughed at some amusing remark made by her husband. He soon
after left the room, and her countenance resumed its usual doleful
expression as she addressed me, saying, "I wish I could have any hopes
of Mr.
Pages:
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225