But my resolution always failed
at the approach of day, and my desire of seeing him as constantly
recurred. So far was I from persisting in such commendable
determinations, that, on the eve of our departure from Bath, I felt
the keenest pangs of sorrow at our approaching separation; and,
as we could not enjoy our private interviews at my house in town,
I promised to visit him at his own apartments, after he had sworn
by all that's sacred, that he would take no sinister advantage
of my condescension, by presuming upon the opportunities I should
give.
"He kept his word, for he saw I trusted to it with fear and
trembling, and perceived that my apprehension was not affected, but
the natural concern of a young creature, distracted between love
and duty, whom, had he alarmed, he would never had seen within his
doors again. Instead of pressing me with solicitations in favour
of his passion, he was more than ever respectful and complaisant;
so that I found myself disengaged of all restraint, conducted the
conversation, shortened and repeated my visits at my own pleasure,
till at last I became so accustomed to this communication, that
his house was as familiar to me as my own.
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