friendship between them, he was willing to ask her advice in the
matter; and conjured her to tell him sincerely, whether there was
anything in Caelia's temper (not discoverable by him) which as a
wife would make him unhappy? He told her, that, if she knew any
such thing, it would be no treachery, but rather kind in her to
declare it, as it would prevent her friend's being unhappy; which
must be the consequence, in marriage, of her making him so.

Chloe could not help seeing very plainly, that if Caelia was
removed she stood the very next in Sempronius's favour. Her lover
was present--her friend was absent--and the temptation was too
strong and agreeable to be resisted. She then answered, that
since he insisted upon the truth, and had convinced her that it
was in reality acting justly and kindly by her friend, she must
confess, that Caelia was possessed (though in a very small degree)
of what she had often heard him declare most against of anything
in the world; and that was, an artfulness of temper, and some few
sparks of envy.

Chloe's confused manner of speaking, and frequent hesitation, as
unwilling to pronounce her friend's condemnation (which, as being
unused to falsehood, was really unaffected) he imputed to
tenderness and concern for Caelia; but he did not in the least
doubt, but on his application to her he should soon be convinced
of the truth of what Chloe had said.

He then went directly to the arbour at the end of the garden, and
there to his wish he found Caelia quite alone; and he addressed
her exactly in the same manner concerning her cousin, as he had
before spoke to Chloe concerning her. Caelia suddenly blushed