so that she was
equally related to both.

They were left entirely unprovided for; were both born on the same day;
and both lost their mothers on the day of their birth: their fathers
were soldiers of fortune; and both killed in one day, in the fame
engagement. But their fortunes were not more similar than their persons
and dispositions. They were both extremely handsome; and in their
Childhood were so remarkable for liveliness of parts, and sweetness of
temper, that they were the admiration of the whole country where they
lived.

Their aunt loved them with a sincere and equal affection, and took the
greatest pleasure imaginable in their education, and particularly to
encourage that love and friendship which she with pleasure perceived
between them. Amanda being (as was said) very rich, and having no other
relations, it was supposed that these her nieces would be very great
fortunes; and as soon as they became women, they were addressed by all
the men of fortune and no fortune round the neighbourhood. But as the
love of admiration, and a desire of a large train of admirers, had
no place in their minds, they soon dismissed, in the most civil and
obliging manner, one after another, all these lovers.

The refusing such numbers of men, and some such as by the world were
called good offers, soon got them the name of jilts; and by that means
they were freed from any farther importunity, and for some years enjoyed
that peace and quiet they had long wished. Their aunt, from being their
mother and their guardian, was now become their friend. For, as she
endeavoured not in the least to force their inclinations, they never
kept anything concealed from her; and every action of their lives was
still guided by her advice and approbation.

They lived on in this way, perfectly happy in their own little
community, till they were about two-and-twenty years old when there
happened to be a regiment quartered in the neighbouring town, to which
their house was nearly situated; and the lieutenant-colonel, a man about
four-and-thirty years old, hearing their names, had a great desire to
see them. For when he was a boy of sixteen, he was put into the Army
under the care of Chloe's father, who treated him with the greatest
tenderness; and (in that fatal engagement in which he lost his life)
received his death's wound by endeavouring to save him from being taken
by the enemy. And gratitude to the memory of so good a friend was as
great an ind