 to disclose its
secrets to a person who would certainly use them to its prejudice. I told her,
it was no wonder if I was out of countenance at her introducing a subject of
conversation so unsuitable to my years and inexperience; that I believed Mr.
Barton was a very worthy gentleman, and I was much obliged to him for his good
opinion; but the affections were involuntary, and mine, in particular, had as
yet made no concessions in his favour. She shook her head with an air of
distrust that made me tremble; and observed, that if my affections were free,
they would submit to the decision of prudence, especially when enforced by the
authority of those who had a right to direct my conduct. This remark implied a
design to interest my uncle or my aunt, perhaps my brother, in behalf of Mr.
Barton's passion; and I am sadly afraid that my aunt is already gained over.
Yesterday in the forenoon, he had been walking with us in the Park, and stopping
in our return at a toy-shop, he presented her with a very fine snuff-box, and me
with a gold etuis, which I resolutely refused, till she commanded me to accept
it on pain of her displeasure: nevertheless, being still unsatisfied with
respect to the propriety of receiving this toy, I signified my doubts to my
brother, who said he would consult my uncle on the subject, and seemed to think
Mr. Barton had been rather premature in his presents.
    What will be the result of this consultation, Heaven knows; but I am afraid
it will produce an explanation with Mr. Barton, who will, no doubt, avow his
passion, and solicit their consent to a connexion which my soul abhors; for, my
dearest Letty, it is not in my power to love Mr. Barton, even if my heart was
untouched by any other tenderness. Not that there is any thing disagreeable
about his person, but there is a total want of that nameless charm which
captivates and controuls the inchanted spirit - at least, he appears to me to
have this defect; but if he had all the engaging qualifications which a man can
possess, they would be excited in vain against that constancy, which, I flatter
myself, is the characteristic of my nature. No, my dear Willis, I may be
involved in fresh troubles, and I believe I shall, from the importunities of
this gentleman and the violence of my relations; but my heart is incapable of
change.
    You know, I put no faith in dreams; and yet
