easy turn of her shape, the lovely roundness of her arm, the
natural elegance of her whole form, the waving ringlets of her
beautiful dark hair, carelessly fastened with a ribbon, the unaffected
grace of her every motion, all together conveyed more strongly than
imagination can paint, the pleasing idea of a wood nymph, deigning to
visit some favored mortal.

Colonel Willmott gazed on her with rapture; and asked me, if the
rural deities had left their verdant abodes to visit Temple-house.

I introduced him to her, and left her to improve the impression:
'tis well I was married in time; a nabob is a dangerous rival.

Lucy looked lovely, but in another style; she was a sultana in all
the pride of imperial beauty: her charms awed, but Emily's invited; her
look spoke resistless command, Emily's soft persuasion.

There were many fine women; but I will own to you, I had, as to
beauty, no eyes but for Emily.

We are going this morning to see Burleigh: when we return, I shall
announce Colonel Willmott to Emily, and introduce them properly to each
other; they are to go in the same chaise; she at present only knows him
as a friend of mine, and he her as his _belle paisanne_.

Adieu! I am summoned.
Your faithful
Ed. Rivers.

I should have told you, I acquainted Colonel Willmott with my
sister's marriage before I took him to Temple-house, and found an
opportunity of introducing him to Temple unobserved.

Emily is the only one here to whom he is a stranger: I will caution
him not to mention to her his past generous design in my favor. Adieu!

LETTER 223.

To Mrs. Fitzgerald.

Temple-house, Thursday morning.

Your Emily was happy beyond words last night: amongst a crowd of
beauties, her Rivers's eyes continually followed her; he seemed to see
no other object: he would scarce let me wait till supper to unmask.

But you will call me a foolish romantic girl; therefore I will only
say, I had the delight to see him pleased with my dress, and charmed
with the complaisance which was shewed me by others.

There was a gentleman who came with Rivers, who was particularly
attentive to me; he is not young, but extremely amiable: has a very
fine person, with a commanding air; great politeness, and, as far as
one can judge by a few hours conversation, an excellent understanding.

I never in my life met with a man for whom I felt such a partiality
at first sight, except Rivers, who tells me, I have mad