“ ‘An age, my dear, this fortnight, that I have renounced society.’

“ ‘May I presume to ask, madam, upon what account?’

“ ‘Alas! because I was tired of it. Women are become such strange libertines, that there is no bearing them. One must either do as they do, or pass for a silly creature; and sincerely, I think both extremes should be avoided.’

“ ‘Indeed, madam, you are become quite edifying. Pray, is it the conversation of the Bramin Brelibibi, that has wrought your conversion?’

“ ‘No, ’tis a squall of philosophy, ’tis a quint of devotion. It seized me suddenly; and it is not poor Amisadar’s fault that I am not at present practising the highest austerity.’

“ ‘Then madam has seen him lately?’

“ ‘Yes, once or twice.’