But he exclaimed against marriage,
because he had, as yet, met with no woman to whose charms he would
surrender his liberty, though a princess of France, and lady of
the same rank in --, were said to be, at that time, enamoured of
his person.
"I went home, totally engrossed by his idea, flattering myself that
he had observed me with some attention; for I was young and new,
and had the good fortune to attract the notice and approbation of
the queen herself.
"Next day, being at the opera, I was agreeably surprised with the
appearance of this amiable stranger, who no sooner saw me enter, than
he approached so near to the place where I sat, that I overheard what
he said to his companions; and was so happy as to find myself the
object of his discourse, which abounded with rapturous expressions
of love and admiration. I could not listen to these transports
without emotion; my colour changed, my heart throbbed with unusual
violence, and my eyes betrayed my inclination in sundry favourable
glances, which he seemed to interpret aright, though he could not
then avail himself of his success, so far as to communicate his
sentiments by speech, because we were strangers to each other.
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