er cheek, intending her lip, but
so rapturously, that she could not help seeming angry.

Had she not thus kept me at arms-length; had she not denied me those
innocent liberties which our sex, from step to step, aspire to; could I
but have gained access to her in her hours of heedlessness and
dishabille, [for full dress creates dignity, augments consciousness, and
compels distance;] we had familiarized to each other long ago. But keep
her up ever so late, meet her ever so early, by breakfast-time she is
dressed for the day, and at her earliest hour, as nice as others dressed.
All her forms thus kept up, wonder not that I have made so little
progress in the proposed trial.--But how must all this distance
stimulate!

Thursday morning, as I said, we were extremely happy--about noon, she
numbered the hours she had been with me; all of them to be but as one
minute; and desired to be left to herself. I was loth to comply: but
observing the sun-shine began to shut in, I yielded.

I dined out. Returning, I talked of the house, and of Mrs. Fretchville--
had seen Mennell--had pressed him to get the widow to quit: she pitied
Mrs. Fretchville [another good effect of the overheard conversation]--had
written to Lord M., expected an answer soon from him. I was admitted to
sup with her. I urged for her approbation or correction of my written
terms. She again promised an answer as soon as she had heard from Miss
Howe.

Then I pressed for her company to the play on Saturday night. She made
objections, as I had foreseen: her brother's projects, warmth of the
weather, &c. But in such a manner, as if half afraid to disoblige me
[another happy effect of the overheard conversation]. I soon got over
these, therefore; and she consented to favour me.

Friday passed as the day before.

Here were two happy days to both. Why cannot I make every day equally
happy? It looks as if it were in my power to do so. Strange, I should
thus delight in teasing a woman I so dearly love! I must, I doubt, have
something in my temper like Miss Howe, who loves to plague the man who
puts himself in her power.--But I could not do thus by such an angel as
this, did I not believe that, after her probation time shall be expired,
and if she be not to be brought to cohabitation, (my darling view,) I
shall reward her as she wishes.

Saturday is half over. We are equally happy--preparing for the play.
Polly has offered her company, and is accepted. I h