R--."

Having finished this effusion, I committed it to the care of my faithful
friend, with an injunction to second my entreaty with all her eloquence
and influence, and in the meantime went to dress, with an intention of
visiting Mrs. Snapper and Miss, whom I had utterly neglected, and indeed
almost forgotten, since my dear Narcissa had resumed the empire of my
soul. The old gentlewoman received me very kindly, and Miss affected a
frankness and gaiety which, however, I could easily perceive was forced
and dissembled: among other things, she pretended to joke me upon my
passion for Narcissa, which she averred was no secret, and asked if
I intended to dance with her at the next assembly. I was a good deal
concerned to find myself become the town talk on this subject, lest the
squire, having notice of my inclinations, should disapprove of them,
and, by breaking off all correspondence with me, deprive me of the
opportunities I now enjoyed. But I resolved to use the interest I
had with him, while it lasted; and that very night, meeting him
occasionally, asked his permission to solicit her company at the ball,
which he very readily granted, to my inexpressible satisfaction.

Having been kept awake the greatest part of the night by a thousand
delightful reveries that took possession of my fancy, I got up by
times, and, flying to the place of rendezvous, had in a little time
the pleasure of seeing Miss Williams approach with a smile on her
countenance, which I interpreted into a good omen. Neither was I
mistaken in my presage. She presented me with a letter from the idol
of my soul, which, after having kissed it devoutly, I opened with the
utmost eagerness, and was blessed with her approbation in these terms:

"Sir,

"To say I look upon you with indifference would be a piece of
dissimulation which I think no decorum requires, and no custom
can justify. As my heart never felt an impression that my tongue
was ashamed to declare, I will not scruple to own myself pleased
with your passion; confident of your integrity, and so well
convinced of my own discretion, that I should not hesitate in
granting you the interview you desire, were I not overawed by
the prying curiosity of a malicious world, the censure of which
might be fatally prejudicial to the reputation of

"Your Narcissa."

No anchorite in the ecstacy of devotion ever adored a