 with these gentlemen, who having seen me at the
opera, expressed a desire of being known to me, and accordingly favoured me with
a visit one afternoon, when the brisk North Briton ingrossed the whole
conversation; while the other seemed fearful and diffident even to a degree of
bashfulness, through which, however, I could discern a delicate sensibility and
uncommon understanding: there was in his person (which was very agreeable) as
well as in his behaviour, a certain naivetè that was very pleasing; and at this
first interview, we relished each other's company so well, that a sort of
intimacy immediately commenced, and was carried on in a succession of parties of
pleasure, in the course of which I found him fraught with all the tenderness and
sentiment that render the heart susceptible of the most refined love; a
disposition that immediately made me partial to him, while it subjected his own
heart to all the violent impressions of a passion, which I little imagined our
correspondence would have produced.
    Nevertheless, I was far from being displeased with my conquest, because his
person and qualifications, as well as his manner of address, were very much to
my liking, and recommended him in a particular manner to my affection. Indeed,
he made a greater progress in my heart than I myself suspected; for there was
something congenial in our souls, which from our first meeting I believe had
attracted us (unknown to ourselves) under the notions of friendship and regard,
and now disclosed itself in the most passionate love.
    I listened to his addresses, and we were truly happy. His attachment was the
quintessence of tenderness and sincerity, while his generosity knew no bounds.
Not contented with having paid twelve hundred pounds on my account, in the space
of one fortnight, he would have loaded me with present after present, had not I
absolutely refused to accept such expensive marks of his munificence. I was even
mortified at those instances of his liberality, which my situation compelled me
to receive, lest, being but little acquainted with my disposition, he should
suspect me of being interested in my love, and judge my conduct by the malicious
reports of common fame, which (he afterwards owned) had at first obtained such
credit with him, that he believed our mutual attachment would not be of long
duration. But, in this particular, he was soon undeceived: his heart, though
naturally adapted for the melting passion, had hitherto escaped untouched by all
the ladies of Italy and France; and therefore the first impressions were the
more deeply fixed. As he was unpractised in the ways of
