The insidious lover exulted in the tenderness of her looks,
from which he presaged a complete victory; but, that he might not
overshoot himself by his own precipitation, he would not run the risk
of declaring himself, until her heart should be so far entangled
within his snares, as that neither the suggestions of honour,
prudence, nor pride, should be able to disengage it. Armed with
this resolution, he restrained the impatience of his temper within
the limits of the most delicate deportment. After having solicited
and obtained permission to attend her to the next opera, he took her
by the hand, and, pressing it to his lips, in the most respectful
manner, went away, leaving her in a most whimsical state of suspense,
chequered with an interesting vicissitude of hope and fear. On
the appointed day, he appeared again about five o'clock in the
afternoon, and found her native charms so much improved by the
advantages of dress, that he was transported with admiration and
delight; and, while he conducted her to the Haymarket, could scarce
bridle the impetuosity of his passion, so as to observe the forbearing
maxims he had adopted.
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