in an instant covered with blushes,
her eyes sparkled with resentment; I threw myself at her feet, and
implored her pardon. Her love became advocate in my cause; her look
softened into forgiveness; she raised me up, and chid me with so much
sweetness of displeasure that I could have been tempted to repeat
the offence, had not the coming in of the servant with the tea-board
prevented my presumption. While we were subject to be interrupted
or overheard, we conversed about the approaching ball, at which she
promised to grace me as a partner, but, when the equipage was removed,
and we were left alone, I resumed the more interesting theme, and
expressed myself with such transport and agitation, that my mistress,
fearing I should commit some extravagance, rang the bell for her maid,
whom she detained in the room, as a check upon my vivacity. I was
not sorry for this precaution, because I could unbosom myself without
reserve before Miss Williams, who was the confidante of us both. I
therefore gave a loose to the inspirations of my passion, which operated
so successfully upon the tender affections of Narcissa, that she laid
aside the constraint she had hitherto worn, and blessed me with the most
melting declaration of her mutual flame! It was impossible for me to
forbear taking the advantage of this endearing condescension. She now
gently yielded to my embraces; while I, encircling all that I held dear
within my arms, tasted in advance the joys of that paradise I hoped in a
little time wholly to possess! We spent the afternoon in all the ecstacy
of hope that the most fervent love exchanged by mutual vows could
inspire; and Miss Williams was so much affected with our chaste
caresses, which recalled the sad remembrance of what she was, that her
eyes were filled with tears.

The evening being pretty far advanced, I forced myself from the dear
object of my flame, who indulged me in a tender embrace at parting,
and, repairing to my lodgings, communicated to my friend Strap every
circumstance of my happiness, which filled him with so much pleasure,
that it ran over at his eyes; and he prayed heartily, that no envious
devil might, as formerly, dash the cup of blessing from my lip. When
I reflected on what had happened, and especially on the unreserved
protestations of Narcissa's love, I could not help being amazed at
her omitting to inquire into the particular circumstances of life and
fortune of one whom she had favoured with her af