en so
complaisant to offer me whenever I think fit to come thither in my
public character.[308]

I do not in the least doubt, but the true figure of conjugal affection
will appear in their looks and gestures. My sister does not affect to be
gorgeous in her dress, and thinks the happiness of a wife is more
visible in a cheerful look than a gay apparel. It is a hard task to
speak of persons so nearly related to one with decency, but I may say,
all who shall be at the play will allow him to have the mien of a worthy
English gentleman; her, that of a notable and deserving wife.

[Footnote 308: See Nos. 120, 122. "I remember Mr. Bickerstaff at the
playhouse, and with what a modest, decent gravity he behaved himself"
(_Examiner_, vol. iii. No. 46). This passage occurs in a notice of
Addison's "Cato," where it is said that on the first night a crowd of
silly people "were drawn up under the leading of the renowned Ironside,
and appointed to clap at his signals.... The _Spectator_ never appeared
in public with a worse grace."]

No. 185. [STEELE.

From _Tuesday, June 13_, to _Thursday, June 15, 1710_.

Notitiam primosque gradus vicinia fecit;
Tempore crevit amor, taedae quoque jure coissent;
Sed vetuere patres, quod non potuere vetare,
Ex aequo captis ardebant mentibus ambo.
OVID, Met. iv. 59.

* * * * *

_From my own Apartment, June 14._

As soon as I was up this morning, my man gave me the following letter,
which, since it leads to a subject that may prove of common use to the
world, I shall take notice of with as much expedition as my fair
petitioner could desire:

"MR. BICKERSTAFF,

"Since you have so often declared yourself a patron of the
distressed, I must acquaint you, that I am daughter to a country
gentleman of good sense, and may expect L3000 or L4000 for my
fortune. I love and am beloved by Philander, a young gentleman who
has an estate of L500 per annum, and is our near neighbour in the
country every summer. My father, though he has been a long time
acquainted with it, constantly refuses to comply with our mutual
inclinations: but what most of all torments me, is, that if ever I
speak in commendation of my lover, he is much louder in his praises
than myself; and professes that it is out of pure love and es