dship
was in a short time cemented, founded on the most exalted esteem, and on
the consciousness that each was necessary to the well-being of the other.

It happens but too often, that we make agreements without considering
whether it is in our power to fulfil their conditions. He had promised to
be only her friend, and not to think of her as a mistress; and yet he
could not deny that he was mortified and disgusted with the sight of any
other visiter. His ill-humour was particularly excited by hearing her, in
a jesting manner, enumerate the good or bad qualities of some favourite,
and after having shown much good sense in pointing out his blemishes,
neglect her friend, and prefer his company that very evening.

It happened soon after that the heart of the fair was disengaged. Her
friend was rejoiced at the discovery, and represented to her, that he was
entitled to her affection before all others. She gave ear to his petition,
when she found resistance was vain. "I fear," said she, "that I am parting
with the most valuable possession on earth--a friend, and that I shall get
nothing in return but a lover." Her suspicions were well founded: he had
not enjoyed his double capacity long, when he showed a degree of
peevishness, of which he had before thought himself incapable; as a friend
he demanded her esteem; as a lover he claimed her undivided affection; and
as a man of sense and education, he expected rational and pleasing
conversation. These complicated claims, however, ill accorded with the
sprightly disposition of Antonelli; she could consent to no sacrifices,
and was unwilling to grant exclusive rights. She therefore endeavoured in
a delicate manner to shorten his visits, to see him less frequently, and
intimated that she would upon no consideration whatever give up her
freedom.

As soon as he remarked this new treatment, his misery was beyond endurance,
and unfortunately, this was not the only mischance that befel him; his
mercantile affairs assumed a very doubtful appearance; besides this, a
view of his past life called forth many mortifying reflections; he had
from his earliest youth looked upon his fortune as inexhaustible, his
business often lay neglected, while engaged in long and expensive travels,
endeavouring to make a figure in the fashionable world, far above his
birth and fortune. The lawsuits, which were now his only hope, proceeded
slowly, and were connected with a vast expense. These required his
pres