he instant, which we sealed by an exchange of kisses, that the hopes of
a more uninterrupted enjoyment engaged him to content himself with.

Never, however, did dear youth carry in his head more wherewith
to justify the turning of a girl's head, and making her set all
consequences at defiance, for the sake of following a gallant.

For, besides all the perfections of manly beauty which were assembled in
his form, he had an air of neatness and gentility, certain smartness in
the carriage and port of his head, that yet more distinguished him; his
eyes were sprightly and full of meaning; his looks had in them something
at once sweet and commanding; his complexion out-bloomed the lovely
coloured rose, whilst its inimitable tender vivid glow clearly saved
it from the reproach of wanting life, of raw and dough-like, which is
commonly made of those so extremely fair as he was.

Our little plan was, that I should get out about seven the next morning
(which I could readily promise, as I knew where to get the key of the
street door) and he would wait at the end of the street with a coach
to convey me safe off; after which, we would send, and clear any debt
incurred by my stay at Mrs. Brown's, who, he only judged, in gross,
might not care to part with one, he thought, so fit to draw custom to
the house.

I then just hinted to him not to mention in the house his having seen
such a person as me, for reasons I would explain to him more at leisure.
And then, for fear of miscarrying, by being seen together, I tore myself
from him with a bleeding heart, and stole up softly to my room, where
I found Phoebe still fast asleep, and hurrying off my few clothes,
lay down by her, with a mixture of joy and anxiety, that may be easier
conceived than expressed.

The risks of Mrs. Brown's discovering my purpose, of disappointments,
misery, ruin, all vanished before this new-kindled flame. The seeing,
the touching, the being, if but for a night, with this idol of my
fond virgin heart, appeared to me a happiness above the purchase of my
liberty or life. He might use me ill, let him: he was the master, happy,
too happy, even to receive death at so dear a hand.

To this purpose were the reflections of the whole day, of which every
minute seemed to me a little eternity. How often did I visit the clock!
nay, was tempted to advance the tedious hand, as if that would have
advanced the time with it! Had those of the house had the least
observations on