But
this mark of her benevolence he would by no means receive; assuring
her, that, though his affairs were at present a little perplexed,
he had never felt the least circumstance of distress, and begging
that she would not subject him to the burden of such an unnecessary
obligation.
Being obliged to put up with this refusal she protested she would
never forgive him should she ever hear that he rejected her offer
when he stood in need of her aid; or if, in any time to come, he
should not apply to her friendship, if ever he should find himself
incommoded in point of fortune. "An overdelicacy in this respect,"
said she, "I shall look upon as a disapprobation of my own conduct;
because I myself have been obliged to have recourse to my friends
in such emergencies." These generous remonstrances and marks of
particular friendship could not fail to make a deep impression upon
the heart of our hero, which still smarted from the former impulse
of her charms; he not only felt all those transports which a man
of honour and sensibility may be supposed to feel upon such an
occasion, but the sentiments of a more tender passion awaking in
his breast, he could not help expressing himself in terms adapted
to the emotion of his soul; and, at length, plainly told her,
that, were he disposed to be a beggar, he would ask something of
infinitely more importance to his peace than the charitable assistance
she had proffered.
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