"It is not mine, I assure you," said Lady Anne. "I am not one of those who
think it 'safest to begin with a little aversion;' but since you
acknowledge that Mr. Vincent possesses the essential good qualities that
entitle him to your esteem, I am satisfied. We gradually acquire knowledge
of the good qualities of those who endeavour to please us; and if they are
really amiable, their persons become agreeable to us by degrees, when we
become accustomed to them."

"Accustomed!" said Belinda, smiling: "one does grow accustomed even to
disagreeable things certainly; but at this rate, my dear Lady Anne, I do
not doubt but one might grow _accustomed_ to Caliban."

"My belief in the reconciling power of custom does not go quite so far,"
said Lady Anne. "It does not extend to Caliban, or even to the hero of La
Belle et La Bete; but I do believe, that, in a mind so well regulated as
yours, esteem may certainly in time be improved into love. I will tell Mr.
Vincent so, my dear."

"No, my dear Lady Anne! no; you must not--indeed you must not. You have
too good an opinion of me--my mind is not so well regulated--I am much
weaker, much sillier, than you imagine--than you can conceive," said
Belinda.

Lady Anne soothed her with the most affectionate expressions, and
concluded with saying, "Mr. Vincent has promised not to return from
Harrowgate, to torment you with his addresses, if you be absolutely
determined against him. He is of too generous, and perhaps too proud a
temper, to persecute you with vain solicitations; and however Mr. Percival
and I may wish that he could obtain such a wife, we shall have the common,