Barford Abbey by Susannah Minific Gunning
page 37 of 205 (18%)
page 37 of 205 (18%)
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smiles _too_, in which Diana and the Graces revel, saw you not _them_,
how they played from one to another, like sun-beams on the water, until they fixed on him?--Is the nation in debt?--So much is Darcey in love;--and you may as well pay off one, as rival the other with success. Observe, my friend, in what manner I have answered for you.--Keep her, therefore, no longer in suspence.--Delays of this sort are not only dangerous, but cruel.--Why delight to torture what we most admire?--From a boy you despised such actions.--Often have I known Dick Jones, when at Westminster, threshed by your hand for picking poor little birds alive.--_His_ was an early point;--but for _Darcey_, accoutred with the breast-plate of honour, even before he could read the word that signifies its intrinsic value,--_for him_ to be falling off,--falling off at a time _too_, when Virtue herself appears in person to support him! Can you say, you mean not to injure her?--Is a woman only to be injured, but by an attempt on her virtue?--Is it _no_ crime, _no_ fault, to cheat a young innocent lovely girl out of her affections, and give her nothing in return but regret and disappointment? Reflect, what a task is mine, thus to lay disagreeable truths plainly before you.--To hear it pronounced, that Lord and Lady Darcey are the happiest couple on earth, is the hope that has pushed me on to this unpleasing office. Bridgman is just set out for town.--I am charg'd with a profusion of respects, thanks, &c. &c. &c. which, if you have the least oeconomy, will serve for him, and |
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