fatal consequences of this unhappy flame, until I was worked into
a fever of disquiet. I saw there was no safety but in flight, and often
determined to banish myself for ever from the sight of this dangerous
intruder. But my resolution always failed at the approach of day, and
my desire of seeing him as constantly recurred. So far was I from
persisting in such commendable determinations, that, on the eve of
our departure from Bath, I felt the keenest pangs of sorrow at
our approaching separation; and, as we could not enjoy our private
interviews at my house in town, I promised to visit him at his own
apartments, after he had sworn by all that's sacred, that he would
take no sinister advantage of my condescension, by presuming upon the
opportunities I should give.

"He kept his word, for he saw I trusted to it with fear and trembling,
and perceived that my apprehension was not affected, but the natural
concern of a young creature, distracted between love and duty, whom, had
he alarmed, he would never had seen within his doors again. Instead of
pressing me with solicitations in favour of his passion, he was more
than ever respectful and complaisant; so that I found myself disengaged
of all restraint, conducted the conversation, shortened and repeated my
visits at my own pleasure, till at last I became so accustomed to this
communication, that his house was as familiar to me as my own.

"Having in this manner secured himself in my confidence, he resumed the
favourite topic of love, and, warming my imagination by gradual advances
on the subject, my heart began to pant; when he saw me thus moved, he
snatched the favourable occasion to practise all his eloquence and art.
I could not resist his energy nor even fly from the temptation that
assailed me, until he had obtained a promise that he should, at our
next meeting, reap the fruits of his tedious expectation. Upon this
condition, I was permitted to retire, and blessed heaven for my escape,
fully determined to continue in the path of virtue I had hitherto trod,
and stifle the criminal flame by which my peace and reputation were
endangered. But his idea, which reigned in my heart without control,
soon baffled all these prudent suggestions.

"I saw him again; and he reminded me of my promise, which I endeavoured
to evade with affected pleasantry, upon which he manifested the utmost
displeasure and chagrin, shedding some crocodile tears, and upbraided
me with levity and indif