continue to see her; but I find a delight in her conversation, which I
cannot prevail on myself to give up till she is actually married.

I respect her engagements, and pretend to no more from her than her
friendship; but, as to myself, will love her in whatever manner I
please: to shew you my prudence, however, I intend to dance with the
handsomest unmarried Frenchwoman here on Thursday, and to shew her an
attention which shall destroy all suspicion of my tenderness for Emily.
I am jealous of Sir George, and hate him; but I dissemble it better
than I thought it possible for me to do.

My Lucy, I am not happy; my mind is in a state not to be described;
I am weak enough to encourage a hope for which there is not the least
foundation; I misconstrue her friendship for me every moment; and that
attention which is meerly gratitude for my apparent anxiety to oblige.
I even fancy her eyes understand mine, which I am afraid speak too
plainly the sentiments of my heart.

I love her, my dear girl, to madness; these three days--

I am interrupted. Adieu!

Yours,
Ed. Rivers.

'Tis Capt. Fermor, who insists on my dining at Silleri. They will
eternally throw me in the way of this lovely woman: of what materials
do they suppose me formed?