what are
called literary tendencies. A little comparison would have shown that all these
points are to be found apart; daughters of aldermen being often well-grown and
well-featured, pretty women having sometimes harsh or husky voices, and the
production of feeble literature being found compatible with the most diverse
forms of physique, masculine as well as feminine.
    Gwendolen, who had a keen sense of absurdity in others, but was kindly
disposed towards any one who could make life agreeable to her, meant to win Mrs.
Arrowpoint by giving her an interest and attention beyond what others were
probably inclined to show. But self-confidence is apt to address itself to an
imaginary dulness in others; as people who are well off speak in a cajoling tone
to the poor, and those who are in the prime of life raise their voice and talk
artificially to seniors, hastily conceiving them to be deaf and rather imbecile.
Gwendolen, with all her cleverness and purpose to be agreeable, could not escape
that form of stupidity: it followed in her mind, unreflectingly, that because
Mrs. Arrowpoint was ridiculous she was also likely to be wanting in penetration,
and she went through her little scenes without suspicion that the various shades
of her behaviour were all noted.
    »You are fond of books as well as of music, riding, and archery, I hear,«
Mrs. Arrowpoint said, going to her for a tête-à-tête in the drawing-room after
dinner: »Catherine will be very glad to have so sympathetic a neighbour.« This
little speech might have seemed the most graceful politeness, spoken in a low
melodious tone; but with a twang fatally loud, it gave Gwendolen a sense of
exercising patronage when she answered gracefully -
    »It is I who am fortunate. Miss Arrowpoint will teach me what good music is:
I shall be entirely a learner. I hear that she is a thorough musician.«
    »Catherine has certainly had every advantage. We have a first-rate musician
in the house now - Herr Klesmer; perhaps you know all his compositions. You must
allow me to introduce him to you. You sing, I believe. Catherine plays three
instruments, but she does not sing. I hope you will let us hear you. I
understand you are an accomplished singer.«
    »Oh no! - die Kraft ist schwach, allein die Lust ist gross, as
Mephistopheles says.«
    »Ah, you are a student of Goethe. Young ladies are so advanced now. I
suppose you have read everything.«
    »No, really. I shall be