xpectations, and who, at that time, importuned her to
marry a cousin of her own, whom she could not like. However, that M--
might have no cause to repine at her delay, she freely entered with
him into an intimacy of correspondence; during which nothing could have
added to their mutual felicity, which was the more poignant and refined,
from the mysterious and romantic manner of their enjoying it; for,
though he publicly visited her as an acquaintance, his behaviour on
these occasions was always so distant, respectful, and reserved, that
the rest of the company could not possibly suspect the nature of their
reciprocal attachment; in consequence of which they used to have private
interviews, unknown to every soul upon earth, except her maid, who was
necessarily entrusted with the secret.

"In this manner they enjoyed the conversation of each other for above
twelve months, without the least interruption; and though the stability
of Mr. M--'s fortune depended entirely upon their marriage, yet as
he perceived his mistress so averse to it, he never urged it with
vehemence, nor was at all anxious on that score, being easily induced
to defer a ceremony, which, as he then thought, could in no shape
have added to their satisfaction, though he hath since altered his
sentiments. Be that as it will, his indulgent mistress, in order to
set his mind at ease in that particular, and in full confidence of his
honour, insisted on his accepting a deed of gift of her whole fortune,
in consideration of her intended marriage; and, after some difficulty,
he was prevailed upon to receive this proof of her esteem, well knowing
that it would still be in his power to return the obligation. Though she
often entreated him to take upon himself the entire administration of
her finances, and upon divers occasions pressed him to accept of large
sums, he never once abused her generous disposition, or solicited her
for money, except for some humane purpose, which she was always more
ready to fulfil than he to propose.

"In the course of this correspondence, he became acquainted with some
of her female relations, and, among the rest, with a young lady, so
eminently adorned with all the qualifications of mind and person, that,
notwithstanding all his philosophy and caution, he could not behold and
converse with her, without being deeply smitten with her charms. He did
all in his power to discourage this dangerous invasion in the beginning,
and to conceal th