seated, and very confidentially began to enter into conversation

with me upon general topics with the ease and familiarity of the most perfect intimacy; but though constrained to remain in his company, I thought it by no means necessary to punish myself by attending to his discourse, which soon overflowed with the most bombast and absurd expressions of admiration; I therefore turned from him with unfeigned disgust, and addressing myself to some ladies with whom I have contracted a transient acquaintance, pretended to be engrossed with what had scarce the power of fixing my wandering thoughts. I found escaping from him, however, was quite impracticable, for he followed me for some time wherever I went with the most obtrusive perseverance, without seeming to remark the repugnance I did not attempt to conceal, nor the contemptuous silence with which I listened to him.
I flatter myself my behaviour at length

had the desired effect. He began to look proudly displeased, and could no longer conceal the painful mortification his vanity suffered from the cold neglect I discovered to the display of his accomplishments. Indeed there is a secret self-approbation and conceit diffused over his manner, which, independent of any other consideration, would have alone rendered him disagreeable to me; though I could perceive he was by no means regarded in this unfavourable point of view by the rest of the company; on the contrary, the younger female part of it seemed to consider him as a real fine gentleman, whose notice was solicited with an eagerness that soothed his pride and softened his mortification.
A small party being invited to stay supper, I was rejoiced to find that during the latter part of the evening he had changed his plan of operations, and instead of tormenting me with unceasing

persecution, had transferred his attention to a young lady in company, who indeed received it with all the satisfaction he could wish. He seemed to aim at the old attempt of engaging interest by exciting jealousy; from the idea that the sex cannot with patience submit to the mortification of being rivalled even in the admiration of those for whom they have no value. Heaven grant his scheme may continue for some time, or rather that it may last for ever.
JAN. 22.
How busy, my Sophia, is our present way of life, and how various the scenes in which we are engaged. I need now no longer repeat, as I used so frequently to do, when my journal was dated from our quiet retreat in Languedoc, that it is deficient in interest and incident.

More events, my beloved friend, but none of a very pleasing nature.
We have hitherto left the regulation