cquaintance with
him; to which request he replied by a compliment to him, and a look to
me so full of eloquence and tenderness, that my whole soul received the
soft impression. In a short time he repeated his visit; and as a recital
of the particular steps he pursued to ruin me would be tedious and
impertinent, let it suffice to say, he made it his business to insinuate
himself into my esteem, by convincing me of his own good sense, and at
the same time flattering my understanding. This task he performed in
the most artful manner, by seeming to contradict me often through
misapprehension, that I might have an opportunity of clearing myself the
more to my own honour. Having thus secured my good opinion, he began to
give me some tokens of a particular passion, founded on a veneration of
the qualities of my mind, and, as an accidental ornament, admired the
beauties of my person; till at being fully persuaded of his conquest, he
chose a proper season for the theme, and disclosed his love in terms
so ardent and sincere, that it was impossible for me to disguise the
sentiments of my heart, and he received my approbation with the most
lively transport. After this mutual declaration, we contrived to meet
more frequently in private interviews, where we enjoyed the conversation
of one another, in all the elevation of fancy and impatience of hope
that reciprocal adoration can inspire. He professed his honourable
intentions, of which I made no question; lamented the avaricious
disposition of his father, who had destined him for the arms of another,
and vowed eternal fidelity with such an appearance of candour and
devotion--that I became a dupe to his deceit. Cursed be the day on
which I gave away my innocence and peace! Cursed be my beauty that first
attracted the attention of the seducer! Cursed be my education, that, by
refining my sentiments, made my heart the more susceptible! Cursed be my
good sense, that fixed me to one object, and taught me the preference I
enjoyed was but my due! Had I been ugly, nobody would have tempted me;
had I been ignorant, the charms of my person would not have atoned for
the coarseness of my conversation; had I been giddy, my vanity would
have divided my inclinations, and my ideas would have been so diffused,
that I should never have listened to the enchantments of one alone.

'But to return to my unfortunate story. After some months, the visits of
my lover became less frequent, and his behaviour les