that she cared much for the man neither: but it was right, surely,
that a woman should be put out of doubt early as to a man's intentions
in such a case as this, from his own mouth.--But, truly, she had begun
to think, that he was more solicitous to cultivate her mamma's good
opinion, than hers!--Every body, she owned, admired her mother's
conversation; but he was mistaken if he thought respect to her mother
only would do with her. And then, for his own sake, surely he should
put it into her power to be complaisant to him, if he gave her reason
to approve of him. This distant behaviour, she must take upon herself
to say, was the more extraordinary, as he continued his visits, and
declared himself extremely desirous to cultivate a friendship with the
whole family; and as he could have no doubt about her sense, if she
might take upon her to join her own with the general opinion; he
having taken great notice of, and admired many of her good things as
they fell from her lips. Reserves were painful, she must needs say,
to open and free spirits, like hers: and yet she must tell my aunt,'
(to whom all this was directed) 'that she should never forget what she
owed to her sex, and to herself, were Mr. Lovelace as unexceptionable
in his morals as in his figure, and were he to urge his suit ever so
warmly.'

I was not of her council. I was still absent. And it was agreed upon
between my aunt Hervey and her, that she was to be quite solemn and
shy in his next visit, if there were not a peculiarity in his address
to her.

But my sister it seems had not considered the matter well. This was
not the way, as it proved, to be taken for matters of mere omission,
with a man of Mr. Lovelace's penetration. Nor with any man; since if
love has not taken root deep enough to cause it to shoot out into