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"Having in this manner secured himself in my confidence, he resumed
the favourite topic of love, and, warming my imagination by gradual
advances on the subject, my heart began to pant; when he saw me
thus moved, he snatched the favourable occasion to practise all his
eloquence and art. I could not resist his energy nor even fly from
the temptation that assailed me, until he had obtained a promise
that he should, at our next meeting, reap the fruits of his tedious
expectation. Upon this condition, I was permitted to retire, and
blessed heaven for my escape, fully determined to continue in the
path of virtue I had hitherto trod, and stifle the criminal flame
by which my peace and reputation were endangered. But his idea,
which reigned in my heart without control, soon baffled all these
prudent suggestions.
"I saw him again; and he reminded me of my promise, which I endeavoured
to evade with affected pleasantry, upon which he manifested the
utmost displeasure and chagrin, shedding some crocodile tears, and
upbraided me with levity and indifference.


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