It was from somewhat of a lion, the author of some startling poems
and more startling essays much admired by Bobus, who had brought him
to some evening parties of his mother's, not much to her delectation,
since there were ugly stories as to his private character. These
were ascribed by Bobus to pious malevolence, and Janet had accepted
the explanation, and cultivated a bowing acquaintance.
Hyde Corner was too agreeable a haunt to be despised, and Janet owed
her social successes more to her mother's attractions than her own.
Conversation began by an inquiry after her brothers, whose adventures
had figured in the papers, and it went on to Janet's own journey and
prospects. Her companion was able to tell her much that she wanted
to know about the university of Zurich, and its facilities for female
study. He was a well-known advocate of woman's rights, and she
scrupled not to tell him that she was inquiring on her own account.
Many men would have been bored, and have only sought to free
themselves from this learned lady, but the present lion was of the
species that prefer roaring to an intelligent female audience,
without the rough male argumentative interruption, and Janet thus
made the voyage with the utmost satisfaction to herself.
Mrs.
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