proposal. She was urgent in the request that he might always remain her
friend, and never shade that sacred name with the ambiguous claims of a
lover. She made him acquainted with some difficulties which then perplexed
her, and on which his experience would enable him to give the best advice,
and propose the most speedy means for her relief. In return for this
confidence, he did not hesitate to disclose to her his own situation; and
her endeavours to soothe and console him were, in reality, not without a
beneficial consequence, as they served to put him in that state of mind,
so necessary for acting with deliberation and effect. Thus a friendship
was in a short time cemented, founded on the most exalted esteem, and on
the consciousness that each was necessary to the well-being of the other.

It happens but too often, that we make agreements without considering
whether it is in our power to fulfil their conditions. He had promised to
be only her friend, and not to think of her as a mistress; and yet he
could not deny that he was mortified and disgusted with the sight of any
other visiter. His ill-humour was particularly excited by hearing her, in
a jesting manner, enumerate the good or bad qualities of some favourite,
and after having shown much good sense in pointing out his blemishes,
neglect her friend, and prefer his company that very evening.

It happened soon after that the heart of the fair was disengaged. Her
friend was rejoiced at the discovery, and represented to her, that he was
entitled to her affection before all others. She gave ear to his petition,
when she found resistance was vain. "I fear," said she, "that I am parting
with the most valuable possession on earth--a friend, and that I shall get
nothing in return but a lover." Her suspicions were well founded: he had
not enjoyed his double capacity long, when he showed a degree of
peevishness, of which he had before thought himself incapable; as a friend
he demanded her esteem; as a lover he claimed her undivided affection; and